I had a most curious communication today from one of my adoring (and, recently, bored) readers, asking if I might see my way clear to create a new feature, an advice column, that I might answer her question.

Being as how I am feeling both uninspired and duly flattered, I readily acquiesced. Here, then, is the situation:

Dear Faerye,

I don’t consume caffeine, and recently purchased the decaf version of the Republic of tea’s Ginger Peach (tea bag format). I’ve found that even if I brew the tea for seven minutes OR MORE, it just isn’t as flavorful as the caffeinated version I recall from wilder days. Is that because some of the flavor went south with the caffeine, or is there something I can do to make it more flavorful?

Thanks,

Wallowing In Bland Tea

Dear Wallowing in Bland Tea,

First of all, may I suggest that wallowing in your bland tea will not improve its flavor in the slightest, unless you wear a peculiar amount of fruit-derived beauty product.

Secondly, it is undoubtedly the case that some of the flavor will have indeed left the tea during the decaffeination process. While the Republic of Tea uses the best process for decaffeination, both in terms of natural, gentle substances and in terms of flavor retention, a little flavor will inevitably be lost, just as some caffeine will inevitably be left. There are a few possible ways to address this difficulty.

The first is to experiment with greater amounts of leaves. This is probably most easily and economically done by investing in loose leaf tea. You can experiment with the exact amount of tea you use in this way quite easily. I do not recommend extending the brewing time past the Republic’s suggested three to four minutes, as any flavor it may add to the tea will be offset by an increase in bitterness and other undesired notes.

Secondly, if you are unwilling to attempt the above process of loose leaf experimentation, I would recommend switching entirely to an herbal tisane of a naturally non-caffeinic variety. If you are looking for a perky, invigorating morning cup and are fond of the Republic, I might suggest their Lemon Wintergrass. If you are more interested in the salutory effect and distinctive bite of ginger, I would incline towards the truly excellent Orange Ginger Mint from the same purveyor. As well as its smooth, sweet blend of flavors, this particular infusion offers benefits to digestion and congestion.

I hope these recommendations have proved useful to you, Wallowing in Bland Tea, and that in future you will restrict your wallowing to less expensive liquids.

Sincerely,
The Faerye

P.S. If for any reason any of the rest of you nuts think you want my strange advice, e-mail me. If I am amused or inspired, your problems may be highlighted and mocked (anonymously of course) on my website!