Did you know there are four main methods used to decaffeinate tea? Put simply, the options are to strip the caffeine out with harsh chemicals (the equivalent of paint stripper) or use more natural methods, such as water or CO2 decaffeination.
At Cornish Tea & Coffee, we’re committed to preserving great flavour while using planet-friendly practices to bring you a proper decaf Cornish brew – no nasties in our products!
The Four Methods of Decaffeination
There are pros to cons to all the decaffeination methods, but we believe our method is the best. Here’s why:
Our Decaf Tea: The Swiss Water Method (Water Decaffeination)
Not that we’re biased, but we truly believe our decaf tea is the best! You won’t find any nasty chemicals or environmentally damaging practices in the making of our decaf tea.
We use the Swiss Water Method, which involves soaking tea leaves in hot water to dissolve the caffeine, which is then filtered out using carbon. The water is returned to the tea leaves for flavour reabsorption, ensuring that the essence of our tea remains intact. Simple, safe, and natural.
Methylene Chloride
For us, this method is a hard no. In this process, tea leaves are either soaked directly in methylene chloride or indirectly by using water that has been treated with the solvent. The caffeine molecules bond with the methylene chloride, allowing for caffeine removal. This method has even been banned in some countries due to concerns over its health impacts.
Ethyl Acetate
Like the previous method, ethyl acetate is used as a solvent to remove caffeine from tea leaves. The caffeine is extracted by soaking the leaves in a solution of water and ethyl acetate, which bonds with the caffeine molecules. After the caffeine is removed, the tea leaves are dried, and some of the original flavours are restored. Though ethyl acetate is natural, a trace amount often remains on the tea which could be a cause for concern for some consumers.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide decaffeination is another natural method, however it requires a large amount of equipment, machinery, and technology to achieve desired results. The method uses carbon dioxide in its supercritical state—achieved through high pressure and temperature. In this state, CO2 acts as a solvent, drawing out the caffeine molecules while leaving the larger flavour molecules safe and sound.
So, How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Tea?
Technically, decaffeinated tea isn’t entirely free from caffeine, but it’s as close as can be. By law, tea that's been labelled as being decaffeinated should contain less than 2.5% of its original caffeine level, which usually equates to less than 2mg per cup - meaning you can enjoy the great taste of your favourite brew without any of the jitters!
How Your Decaf Cornish Tea is Made
Your decaf tea bags go on quite the journey before landing in your favourite mug.
- STEP 1: We responsibly source our tea leaves, ensuring fair living wages are paid and that they’re up to our high standards. Sometimes, we even have to visit these beautiful countries… It's a tough job.
- STEP 2: Once the leaves have been picked, decaffeinated with the Swiss Water Method, then withered and cooled, they are then cut, teared, and curled before being treated to reduce the moisture to 3%.
- STEP 3: After the tea is brought to the UK, it is blended to our secret recipe. We blend the different varieties of tea to ensure you have a consistent brew, every time.
- STEP 4: Once the tea has been taste-tested and approved, then it’s over to our IMA machine to drop the tea into our cornstarch paper tea bags.
- STEP 5: From here, your tea bags are wrapped in natureflex foil and sealed for fresh-ness. The tea is then boxed into our classic blue decaf boxes.
- STEP 6: Now, it’s down to you. Pop the kettle on and enjoy a mug or two of your favourite decaf blend! How you like your tea is up to you.
Ready to Try Decaf With a Difference?
We take immense pride in our decaf blends, and we’re confident you’ll love them too! Explore our decaf loose leaf tea and tea bags, available in a variety of sizes across our Cornish Breakfast and Smugglers Brew ranges.
Enjoy the same great taste with our decaf teas, all while contributing to a plastic-free environment. Sip with delight and sustainability in mind!
