I figured I'd just start a new thread, and hope to compile any and all green teas I've confirmed as being decaffeinated through the co2 process. Supposedly, the other types of decaffeination are cheaper but strip a lot of antioxidants and other healthy/flavorful aspects of tea away. One caveat is that a lot of the teas I like can be strongly flavored. The Yogi Super Anti-Oxidant is my favorite, but as I'm switching to decaf I don't think it's an option anymore.
All of these teas are steeped at 175 degrees for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
First one:
Tazo Lotus decaffeinated green tea
Bought this at Whole Foods, although it didn't say on the box if it was co2 processed or not. It did say something about a special or more expensive process, so I assumed it was. I was able to confirm it as co2 based by checking the FAQ on their overly flash based web site.
Flavor: Pretty mild, but not objectionable. Very slight melon/fruit taste. I steeped it for three minutes as suggested, but used more than 8 ounces of water, probably about 16 ounces or so. That said, this is the mug I drink my other teas in.
Upon my first experience, would probably give it a 7.5/10.
Check out Adagio's decaf. I'm pretty sure they are all decaffeinated via CO2. http://www.adagio.com/decaf/decaf_sampler.html
I'll do that.Ed wrote:Check out Adagio's decaf. I'm pretty sure they are all decaffeinated via CO2. http://www.adagio.com/decaf/decaf_sampler.html
Next tea is Allegro's Decaffeinated Green (so much for a catchy name). It's described as ultra-mellow on the box.
One thing I've noticed, I've always been told to use water around 180 or 175 for green teas. Both the Tazo and Allegro have said to use boiling water, which I am not doing.
Flavor: Very bland. Just a hint of that nutty green flavor. Not bitter or offensive, but not huge like the cartoony teas I usually drink. I hope these first two aren't what my future decaf tea drinking life is going to be about.
6/10.
One thing I've noticed, I've always been told to use water around 180 or 175 for green teas. Both the Tazo and Allegro have said to use boiling water, which I am not doing.
Flavor: Very bland. Just a hint of that nutty green flavor. Not bitter or offensive, but not huge like the cartoony teas I usually drink. I hope these first two aren't what my future decaf tea drinking life is going to be about.
6/10.
Jun 6th, '09, 16:04
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Wow, I must have missed that memoOfficial co2 process decaffeinated green tea review thread
Good luck in your search. Must be a bummer not being able to drink the HiTest green teas. However since your caffeine may conflict with your meds, proceed carefully. I once ordered 1/4 pound of Bao Zhong at a TeaRoom, they gave me Lapsang Souchong, that is a huge mistake. The point being, there can be a LOT of human error to consider.
I vote for naturally lower caffeine subs like Houjicha and herbals. Seems safer to me.
Daily Green Tea - The People's Green Decaf
Steeped it for three minutes.
This one was a bit more expensive, and just has the round teabags without any string attached. Bit of a hassle because at work I only have scalding hot water at my disposal, but I guess I can fish it out with a fork.
Flavor: Like the Allegro, but a more pronounced nuttiness. This was the most expensive of the three, and it's fine, but nothing has jumped out at me.
7/10
Steeped it for three minutes.
This one was a bit more expensive, and just has the round teabags without any string attached. Bit of a hassle because at work I only have scalding hot water at my disposal, but I guess I can fish it out with a fork.
Flavor: Like the Allegro, but a more pronounced nuttiness. This was the most expensive of the three, and it's fine, but nothing has jumped out at me.
7/10
I'll feel it if there is too much caffeine. It sucks, I really used to drink as much as 15 cups in a day and had no issues with sleep or jitters.Chip wrote:Wow, I must have missed that memoOfficial co2 process decaffeinated green tea review thread
Good luck in your search. Must be a bummer not being able to drink the HiTest green teas. However since your caffeine may conflict with your meds, proceed carefully. I once ordered 1/4 pound of Bao Zhong at a TeaRoom, they gave me Lapsang Souchong, that is a huge mistake. The point being, there can be a LOT of human error to consider.
I vote for naturally lower caffeine subs like Houjicha and herbals. Seems safer to me.
Now I've had three cups of decaf today... just want to go back to bed.
I figured since I was going to do the research for myself, might as well post it in a public forum for people to use in the future. If nothing more, this can serve as a list of co2 based decaf greens for people in a similar situation.
Re: Official co2 process decaffeinated green tea review thre
I was surprised by this tea.greenteafreak wrote:
First one:
Tazo Lotus decaffeinated green tea
Bought this at Whole Foods, although it didn't say on the box if it was co2 processed or not. It did say something about a special or more expensive process, so I assumed it was. I was able to confirm it as co2 based by checking the FAQ on their overly flash based web site.
Flavor: Pretty mild, but not objectionable. Very slight melon/fruit taste. I steeped it for three minutes as suggested, but used more than 8 ounces of water, probably about 16 ounces or so. That said, this is the mug I drink my other teas in.
Upon my first experience, would probably give it a 7.5/10.
Last edited by spot52 on Jan 21st, '10, 18:56, edited 1 time in total.
