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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Read what our customers think...
"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
For a change some Good News! The Shops are OPEN and I am back in the office. My sister has had a wonderful baby boy called Oliver James and they are both doing well. Oliver was born on 21st Feb and is keeping his mum Joanne and Dad Ian very busy!
The new Indian tea is now available so those of you who love the First Flush Assam can refill your cupboards!
I am hopeful that all the recent problems with the virus attack have been sorted out but if anybody has a problem with the site please let me know on the office number or by email as soon as you can. Many thanks to all of you who have helped out so far with this nasty issue. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued loyalty.
Kay Healey
Your Personal Tea Merchant (and double aunty now!)
9th March 2010
Wellesbourne
Warwickshire
CV35 9NQ
Telephone
01789 555023