There's a persistently voiced opinion in Google results that says that that decaf black tea does not support a healthy fermentation. I admit this does not make a ton of sense to me, but I also have no experience to fall back on. Can I make decaf booch? (Doctor's orders are to avoid all caffeine, sadly.)
Does Kombucha Need Caffeine?
- Thread starter AlexKay
- Start date
Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:
D the Catastrophist
Well-Known Member
It looks like the biggest issue is that the chemicals thar are used to make tea decaf can impact the fermentation process. So probably not able to due a pure decaf.
However, from what I have read, it also sounds like the final product has about half the caffeine content, so maybe look at white teas? They have even lower caffeine then greens. Assuming only half the caffeine transfers, looks like a white tea would be 7mg vs 5mg for a decaf for 8 oz...
However, from what I have read, it also sounds like the final product has about half the caffeine content, so maybe look at white teas? They have even lower caffeine then greens. Assuming only half the caffeine transfers, looks like a white tea would be 7mg vs 5mg for a decaf for 8 oz...
I saw that, but it sounded a bit like “OMG CHEMICAL” to me. CO2 extraction shouldn’t leave anything behind, and even ethyl acetate … well, that’s a significant fermentation product.
D the Catastrophist
Well-Known Member
It looks like there are 2 different ways to decaffeinate tea.
Maybe look for one done using the co2 method vs the Ethel acetate?
Or try a small batch with both and compare? That's really the only way to get a good answer.
https://www.brewteacompany.co.uk/bl...inate tea: you can either,the tea to the CO2.
Maybe look for one done using the co2 method vs the Ethel acetate?
Or try a small batch with both and compare? That's really the only way to get a good answer.
https://www.brewteacompany.co.uk/bl...inate tea: you can either,the tea to the CO2.
Looking a little closer, there seem to be scientific studies showing that caffeine impairs yeast fermentation. Maybe the problem is that decaf leads to healthier yeast, and that messes with the balanced of the mixed kombucha fermentation? Just making things up here…
Similar threads
