What is theine?
Did you know that theine and caffeine are actually the same molecule? Coffee simply contains much more of it: three to four times more than a cup of tea. This explains its stimulating effect, whereas tea has the effect of a simple stimulant. Just enough to stay awake and alert while meditating, some Buddhist monks say.
Present in tea leaves, theine is released when they are immersed in hot water. Among the different types of tea, there are also major differences: black tea is the richest in theine (notably because it releases it more quickly), followed by green tea and white tea, known as the “lightest”.
That is why Kusmi advises you to drink black tea in the morning and opt for green, white or oolong tea during the day.
Why drink caffeine-free tea?
While the stimulating and energising effect of green or black tea is sought after because it is considered beneficial, some people may, on the contrary, wish to avoid it. This is the case for people sensitive to theine or caffeine, who may fear having trouble falling asleep. The stimulation felt, the rate of theine absorption and tolerance vary from person to person. Another group that may seek to reduce their theine consumption is pregnant women, whom doctors generally advise to limit their intake to two cups of tea a day. Children too, whose lower body weight makes theine more concentrated in their bodies and slower to eliminate. Finally, people suffering from heart or gastric conditions may be advised to remove theine from their diet. For all those who do not wish to give up their tea break, caffeine-free or decaffeinated tea is the solution.
Moreover, caffeine-free or decaffeinated tea tastes just as good as classic tea. The flavours on the palate will be no less enjoyable. The absence of theine avoids the bitterness that can be found in an over-infused drink.
Which teas are caffeine-free? A closer look at infusions and rooibos
Also called “red tea” by misuse of language, Rooibos is a caffeine-free tea from South Africa; but as it contains no theine, it belongs to the infusion category. And for good reason: it is not made from tea leaves, but from a shrub, the Rooibos bush, belonging to the legume family. South Africa’s national drink, Rooibos has won over people far beyond its borders with its delicious flavour (low in astringency and bitterness) and high antioxidant content. A drink with many benefits, “red tea” is credited with beneficial health effects. Rich in flavonoids, it is said to help prevent many illnesses, aid digestion, boost energy (thanks to minerals including potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc and iron) and help combat water retention (elimination). However, no clinical study has yet confirmed these hypotheses. We therefore recommend remaining vigilant regarding these health claims. Moreover, as it contains neither theine nor caffeine, rooibos does not affect sleep and can be enjoyed peacefully in the evening before bed.
Maison Kusmi offers two: an organic vanilla Rooibos and an organic almond Rooibos.
Another possible caffeine-free drink: the many fruity and floral Kusmi infusions and herbal teas. As well as an Earl Grey tea, with bergamot and citrus fruits. Finally, as theine diffuses poorly in cold water, iced tea is a low-theine drink. For a mint iced tea, for example, infuse Kusmi organic mint tea in the refrigerator for two to three hours, as cold infusion is much slower. Allow around 2 to 3 teaspoons of tea for 1 litre of cold water. Then add sugar, lemon or fresh mint leaves to taste....
How do you decaffeinate tea?
Making a “low-theine tea” is incredibly simple. Simply infuse it once for one minute, then discard this first water, which contains the most theine. Indeed, the molecule is released once the leaves come into contact with hot water. Then keep the same tea (the same tea bag, the same tea infuser...) and infuse it again in fresh simmering water. This second infusion will be much lower in theine while retaining the flavours of your favourite tea.
Caffeine-free tea is even better organic
Choosing organic caffeine-free tea guarantees product quality. Indeed, organic certification involves numerous quality controls during the production and preparation of the drink.
Would you like to learn more about the different types of green tea?