The chemistry in your cuppa
Katrina Megget finds there’s more to tea than just a great brew – it’s also chemically complex
The chemical compounds in a cup of tea are staggeringly diverse. From the well-known tannins and caffeine to less well know theanine, theobromine and theophylline. Theanine is psychoactive, like caffeine, but has a more relaxing effect. With black, green and white tea all prepared differently, there can be quite difference in those cups.