Ceylon Black Teas with Caffeine - Ceylon Decaf Teas
Ceylon tea, named after the region in which it is cultivated, involves distinct processing methods based on the type of tea being produced. Here's a breakdown of how different Ceylon teas—green, black, Oolong, and white—are processed:
Green Ceylon Tea: Fresh leaves are harvested and undergo only partial fermentation to produce green Ceylon tea. This limited fermentation allows the leaves to maintain a high level of antioxidants. After fermenting, the leaves are rolled and dried, preserving their green color and distinct flavor.
Black Ceylon Tea: In contrast to green tea, black Ceylon tea includes both the leaves and the stems of the tea plant. These components are fully fermented, a process that diminishes their antioxidant levels but enhances the tea's flavor, resulting in a robust brew. Black Ceylon tea's rich taste makes it a popular choice for iced beverages.
Oolong Ceylon Tea: Oolong tea represents a midpoint between green and black teas in terms of oxidation and fermentation. It undergoes a complex process that includes withering, tossing in baskets to bruise the leaves slightly, partial oxidation, fixing to stop the oxidation, rolling, drying, and firing. These steps give Oolong tea a unique flavor profile that embodies the qualities of both green and black teas.
White Ceylon Tea: The most delicately processed of the four, white Ceylon tea is made from hand-picked leaves during a short harvest season. The selected leaves are then left to dry under the sun naturally, which helps maintain their high antioxidant contents. This minimal processing and labor-intensive collection make white Ceylon tea one of the more expensive varieties.
Due to the differences in their processing methods, each type of Ceylon tea has its unique taste and characteristics, offering a range of options for tea enthusiasts to enjoy.
Compared to other types of tea, Ceylon black teas tend to have a moderate to high caffeine content. Caffeine levels can range from around 40 to 70 milligrams per 8-ounce cup of brewed Ceylon tea, although these numbers are approximate and vary.
Decaffeinated versions of Ceylon tea are available for those looking for lower-caffeine options. These teas undergo a process to remove most of the caffeine while preserving the flavor characteristics of the tea.