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Caffeine and Tea Considerations

The longer the tea leaves have oxidized, the greater their caffeine content. Green tea, which is not oxidized, has one-third the caffeine per cup as black tea, which is fully oxidized. Oolong is semi-oxidized and has about half as much caffeine as black tea.

The smaller the leaf, the stronger the extraction of caffeine. Using comparable amounts and brewing times, a tea bag filled with cut leaf will release more caffeine per cup than full-leaf tea.

Caffeine's primary effects last about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on an individual's sensitivity.

Scientific studies of caffeine to date have been contradictory. There is no conclusive evidence that caffeine causes or exacerbates any specific illness or medical condition.