A Decent DeCaf Green - Is There Such A Thing?

Sorry to hear that Shen, I hope everything is well now. The only thing I can say is to look for carbon dioxide (CO2) decaffeinated green tea. The other method ruins more of the taste and "benefits." Some decent to high quality greens can be had in CO2 decaf but you have to look and trust the vendor.

Hopefully this doesn't degenerate into one of the infamous "30-second brew and discard" method arguments. The archives hold enough of those, and I won't even offer my opinion on it here in hopes no one else will either.

Good luck and I wish her the best!

- Dominic

Thanks, Dominic. I know about the "30 second blah-blah-blah" and my hopes are the same. The CO2 is all I'd consider; but, I am really looking for a really nice tea. It would brighten up her day. I agree with your comments about the regularly decaffeinated taste. She's doing much better. Thank you. Shen

How confident are you in the premise of this search? That is to say, do you think this physician has a good reason to forbid caffeine?

/Lew

Glad to hear, hey I totally forgot one great option: kukicha. Green or roasted it has virtually no caffeine, but probably a slight amount. Honeybush might also be a neat option to try. I'm having a hard time thinking of any "great" decaf green tea sources off the top of my head, Google will probably turn up a bunch and it will be a bit of a crap-shoot but you may find some good stuff with some trial and error. When I get a couple extra minutes I'll do some research and get back to ya.

- Dominic

Sorry, that needs clarification. What you say is true if the kukicha is only twigs, but there are also kukichas being sold that are more leaf than twig.

/Lew

Try the decaf greens from Upton's. They aren't wonderful but they aren't terrible, and they don't have the weird solvent aftertaste.

--scott

Yes, you're correct. The thing is that it varies and is impossible to guess on. Either way, even with some bits of leaf, it is virtually decaf... it's kinda the same as an NA beer, it has a small amount but at least it is still close to the real thing with the least compromise. It's a tough thing, the few decaf greens I've had have been at best middle of the road. One time I had some Shincha that had been labeled as decaf, but I have no way to verify if it really was, it was excellent but brought back by a friend directly from Japan.

- Dominic

Shen,

Sorry to hear about your mother. If the doc said "NO CAFFEINE whatsoever", then even decaf is out. There is always a small amount of caffeine left in the tea. I'm speaking as a consumer; the experts in the group can confirm or refute my statement.

So, looks like you should be on the lookout for a tisane (no, I won't type "teasane"; wait, I just did). I don't like most "herbal teas", especially those that are based on hibiscus flowers, but I really like a pure peppermint tisane when I don't want caffeine. Honeybush is fine, too. Just depends on what mom likes. There's plenty to choose from! I hope you find one she likes.

Alan

If you want something that looks like tea, smells like tea, brews like tea, taste like tea I recommend Tianshan Lushui aka Wild Bitter tea and is caffeine free. It comes from the same holly bush as kuding but is the leaf version not the stick.

Jim

there are also some pretty decent herbals around.. try out a few.. i dont really know what you like and whats available where you live.. but its worth a try!

Not to make light of the situation, but the poor woman has been through enough! :) Sorry.

- Dominic

You know, Lew, in my practice, I've come to realize that there really are no "normal" standards or ranges. The human body is so unique to each and every one of us. She is just one of those people who reacts profoundly (with BP increase) to even the slightest hint of caffeine. I found it interesting that an allopathic MD was able to garner this; but, luckily, he did. Because of this serious sensitivity, I'd rather not attempt kukicha. I think I'll go ahead and contact Upton's. It may be the best of what I guess I arrogantly consider poor choices. But, Upton's, at least, has some decent quality control and beats Lipton's. My thanks to all of you for your kind input. Nice to be on this board again! Shen

Shen,

If your mom "reacts profoundly (with BP increase) to even the slightest hint of caffeine", then DON'T get a decaf green tea. It will still contain a little caffeine. Go the herbal route.

Good luck!

Alan