All About Tea
Decaffeination of Tea
The chemical composition of tea includes many different polyphenols of which caffeine is only one. The main polyphenols in tea are catechins, pronounced "cat e kins", which seem to inhibit unhealthy cell growth and play a role in programmed cell death, both appear to be important in the prevention and control of cancer. Other polyphenols are potent antioxidants and help prevent damage to healthy cells as well as preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol caused by free radicals. These preventative functions seem to inhibit the formation of plaque in the arteries. Green tea has the highest amount of catechins which is why it is heralded with so many health benefits.
Decaffeination can be carried out by either the Co2 method or by using ethyl acetate or methylene chloride to dissolve the caffeine out of the tea leaves. The ethyl acetate method unfortunately dissolves out a large percentage of all the other polyphenols, the ones that do you good, so not much is left. The water with the other polyphenols then has to be reabsorbed onto the leave so that it gets some of the flavour back. This process is why decaffeinated tea is more expensive.
Caffeine works by inhibiting the a1 adenosine receptors in the brain. What this means is that whilst the adenosine receptors in the brain will slow down the metabolic activity of the brain, the caffeine molecules stop this process causing the brain to be stimulated again. This is why if you drink a caffeinated drink when you feel tired you will feel more wide awake. The more concentrated a hit of caffeine you take the more this effect will be felt. An individuals' response to caffeine will depend on how tolerant their chemical system is to it. Caffeine also speeds up the activity of the heart and can lead to a racing heart feeling.
Our Ceylon decaffeinated tea is made by using methylene chloride as a solvent. Whilst we do list this product, as it is the best we have found to date, it has been chemically processed rather than naturally formed.
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"From the outset, we identified Cotswold Tea as a key element in achieving what we wanted"
- Ludlow Castle tearoom
"We know we can rely on Cotswold Tea to provide the range and quality we require"
- Keepers Cottage self-catering accommodation
"The quality of the tea from Cotswold Tea ties in with everything we offer here"
- The Old Dairy Tearoom
Our reputation is built upon the exceptional quality of our tea, our knowledge and expertise about tea, and our personal brand of customer service. Read testimonials and case studies from some of the tearooms, restaurants, retailers and individual customers which we supply, plus an insight into our relationship with one of our tea growers. Click here
Dear Customers
With this long dry spell we have had keeping hydrated is a big challenge but somehow tea always comes up to the mark, be it a rousing cup of Assam or a refreshing light cup of Darjeeling. I have been resting up on the deck of my narrow boat with many a cup of Darjeeling this last month in between packing the new teas like cazy of course!
As it comes arround to the summer holidays I know a number of you just can't go away without your own tea so make sure you get your order in before you set off for your well earned rest.
Have a great summer and take care!
Regards
Kay Healey
Your Personal Tea Merchant
14th July 2010
Wellesbourne
Warwickshire
CV35 9NQ
Telephone
01789 555023