Caffeine is primarily found in tea, coffee, and chocolate. It is a xanthine-alkaloid compound, and alkaloids are naturally occurring substances, most of which are derivatives of amino acids. When tasting caffeine on its own, it is the bitter flavor found in tea, with a slightly astringent sensation.
The Uses of Caffeine in Plants and Animals
Caffeine exists in plants as a pesticide. When insects consume too much caffeine, they die due to paralysis. For humans, when caffeine is consumed, it acts as a central nervous system stimulant, making individuals feel more alert and refreshed. The effect varies from person to person.
What is Theobromine?
Theobromine is a derivative of caffeine. In addition to being produced by the metabolism of caffeine in the human body, it is also present in tea and has a similar effect to caffeine. It is commonly said that if tea is steeped too long, too much theobromine will be released, which sounds alarming, but in fact, it is the caffeine that is being released. Solutions include: avoid steeping the tea for too long, use a smaller amount of tea leaves, or try cold brewing.
Which Has More Caffeine: Tea or Coffee?
A 240ml cup of coffee contains about 130-140mg of caffeine, while a 240ml cup of tea contains about 15-50mg.
Which Tea Has Lower Caffeine?
There are several factors that influence the caffeine content in tea:
- The age of the tea leaves: The younger the leaves, the higher the caffeine content.
- The manufacturing process: Caffeine does not participate in the fermentation reaction, so it has little effect on the caffeine content during the tea production process. Only roasting affects it, as the temperature during the process can cause caffeine to sublime out of the tea leaves, reducing its content.
The caffeine accumulated on the surface of a tea roaster initially appears as pure white crystals, but over time it darkens.
Tea Plant Varieties:
In the tea family, there are two main varieties: C. Sinensis (small-leaf variety) and C. Assamica (large-leaf variety). Small-leaf varieties generally have lower caffeine content, while large-leaf varieties have higher caffeine content.
Would Tea Be Better Without Caffeine?
Caffeine in tea is like alcohol in wine—without it, the tea lacks flavor and energy. It’s like drinking a Sprite without the fizz.
Caffeine and Stomach Pain:
Drinking coffee can cause acid reflux, and sometimes tea can do the same. This is because caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acid, which may lead to discomfort.
What to do? Choose teas with lower caffeine content, such as roasted teas, mature tea leaves, or small-leaf varieties. Alternatively, drink tea after eating.
Caffeine Terminology in the Tea Roasting Process | What Does “Dog Hair” Mean?
When roasting tea, we often say it’s roasted to the point of “dog hair.” This refers to the phenomenon where, during prolonged or high-temperature roasting, the caffeine in the tea sublimates and attaches to the surface of the tea leaves or other objects in the process. The white crystals are pure caffeine. In the roasting factory, the thick layer of white fluff on the ceiling is not dust, but solid caffeine crystals.
The white powder on tea leaves is what we refer to as “dog hair” (caffeine).
Does Caffeine Keep You Awake?
Caffeine causing sleeplessness is often related to individual constitution. Some people are indeed sensitive to caffeine, but not many. Tea might cause sleeplessness due to a combination of factors, such as the interaction between catechins and caffeine, which affects stomach metabolism and causes discomfort. Caffeine also accelerates metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels, and makes people feel hungry. All of these factors contribute to difficulty sleeping.