Decaf Earl Grey Organic

This is the Earl Grey for when you want the flavour but not the caffeine: last thing at night, later in the day, or simply if you are cutting back. The trouble with most decaf tea is that you can taste the decaffeination; some processes strip the flavour right out, and others leave a faintly chemical aftertaste. This one is different, and the difference is all in the method.

It is decaffeinated using carbon dioxide, which is the gentlest method there is. In short, the leaves are moistened and pressurised CO2 is passed through them, drawing the caffeine out while leaving the flavour largely untouched. CO2 is just the natural, odourless gas in the air we breathe, so there is no solvent and no nasty chemical taste left behind; it is even captured and reused for the next batch. Of all the ways to take the caffeine out of tea, this is the one that keeps the most of what you actually want.

Decaffeinating any tea does soften its punch a little, so I have started with a strong, organic Ceylon black tea that has plenty to give, then blended it in the classic Earl Grey way with organic bergamot and a little organic orange peel. The result is a proper, loose-leaf Earl Grey: aromatic, fruity and beautifully balanced, and because the base is a robust one, it is equally good with or without milk.

One honest note: decaffeinated is not quite the same as caffeine-free. A tiny trace of caffeine always remains after decaffeination, far less than a normal cup, but not zero, so if you need to avoid caffeine entirely, one of my naturally caffeine-free infusions would be the safer choice.

Ingredients || Organic Black Tea (Decaffeinated), Organic Orange Peel, Organic Bergamot Oil

Warning, packed in an environment that contains nuts

Caffeine || Decaffeinated (a trace remains; not caffeine-free)

Tasting Notes || Rich and fruity with a zesty aroma and balanced astringency

Brewing Notes || 1 teaspoon per cup, 100ºC, brew for 4 minutes.