How to Decaffeinate Your Tea

Any Tea Can Be Decaffeinated

There is a traditional Chinese method of a very quick steep to remove most of the caffeine from their tea, at home - in less than one minute.

Many commercial methods of extracting caffeine from tea are harsh and can affect the taste, the flavor and selection of the finished product. This 'Gongfu' method is approved by the American Premium Tea Institute.

Because most of the caffeine found in tea leaves ends up on the outside of the leaf during the drying process, a simple 'leaf washing' or 'pre-brewing' is all that's needed to remove 80-90% of the caffeine from any loose leaf tea. Not recommended for white or green tea.

Gongfu-type Decaffeination Method:

• Measure the correct amount of tea leaves into the teapot.
• Bring fresh, cold water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan.
• Immediately pour this water over the dry tea leaves in the pot. Just cover the leaves with the water. Do not fill up the tea pot just yet.
• Wait 30 seconds. Pour away this small amount of water. By doing this procedure, you allow the caffeine to dissolve, then you pour this concentrated caffeine solution down the drain.

For full Gonfu Tea Brewing method click here: