Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert Lauren

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Steve wrote at 2009-04-10 21:10:54
There are primarily two ways teas are decaffeinated, one a chemical-based process and the other a water-based process.  The chemical process is cheaper for the producer but eliminates over 50% of the polyphenols, thus produces a less beneficial tea.  The water-based process retains most of the polyphenols, and as more natural process is probably better in other ways as well.



Any company who uses the water-based process will likely promote that fact.  If the package doesn't say anything about the process, I would either check with the company (web, phone) before purchasing, or purchase a brand that clearly uses a water-based process.



Or, as Lauren suggests, use the second infusion of your favorite caffeinated tea.  I usually drink several infusions from the same set of green tea leaves and find the taste very satisfying on even the third and fourth infusion for most teas.

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