The effects of caffeine in black tea

What effects does the caffeine in black tea have?

The caffeine in black tea is released slowly in the body. This might seem counterintuitive, but the longer it is infused, the more calming the effect. A tea that is left for two minutes will have a stimulating effect, but leaving it for five minutes turns it into a relaxant.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Short Brewing Time (2 minutes): When black tea is brewed for a short period, caffeine is quickly released into the water. This rapid release of caffeine provides an immediate stimulating effect, making you feel more awake and alert.

Longer Brewing Time (5 minutes): When black tea is brewed for a longer time, additional compounds called tannins are also released into the tea. Tannins are polyphenols that can bind to caffeine, reducing the speed at which it is absorbed by the body. As a result, the stimulating effect of caffeine is less pronounced, and the presence of tannins provides a calming and relaxing effect instead.

In essence, while caffeine itself is a stimulant, the additional compounds extracted during a longer brew time modify its impact. The tannins slow down the absorption of caffeine, leading to a more gradual and soothing effect. So, even though there is more caffeine in the tea brewed for a longer time, the way your body processes it changes, leading to a calming sensation rather than a stimulating one.

 

My personal preference

I prefer adding less than the suggested amount of tea and then brewing it for a longer time. If I add the suggested amount, it gets too strong after 2 minutes. Hence, I add slightly less and then brew it for 3-4 minutes.

Keep in mind that this method only works on traditional black teas. Don't try this with green or oolong teas. I also wouldn't suggest doing it with First Flush Darjeeling teas. Due to their early harvest and freshness, the tea becomes unpleasant after 2 minutes.