winter

Alana- that is why I personally think those things are not good for us and against the word of wisdom. Not necessarily because of the caffeine, but more because of the tannins- that acid can mess up your insides. Uggh. But yes, there is no specifics given. That's why I said it was my opinion, just so I didn't give anyone the right to say that I said it was doctrine. =) I personally wouldn't feel bad about using the flavorings if I knew the tannins and caffeine were not in them. That is why I was wondering if it was the brewing of the bean that brought out these things or if it would be found in the bean itself in powdered form. I just don't know the chemical reaction. I know leaves, when added to water, produce a tea which has tannins in it. Does coffee have this? If so, is it just when the bean is added to hot water? I guess it's kinda a science question- and I was hoping someone on here was sorta a scientist.

Charley- why won't you use wine in your cooking? Not that you have to, of course! Just curious.

It's probably good to err on the side of caution *sigh*. I have avoided it to this point, but I've been dying to know for a few years now, so I was hoping someone here might have some knowledge about it. It's the whole reason I even signed up here on LDS.net (today!). Godless- which point were you with me on? =)

Wait! I have to stand up in defense of the East (which is where I am from!) It's soda back East, at least anywhere I have been along that coast- not pop! Pop is out here in Utah (where I live now!) and everywhere else out West that I have been. =) Everyone I know out East makes fun of Westerners for saying "pop". It's kinda a big deal (in a fun way). There's a lot of playful banter about what the correct term is. Ok, back to our regular conversation. No, like I said earlier, I don't drink caffeine- period. I don't even drink soda, for that matter. Juice, herbal tea on occasion, milk and water.

This is to Godless and ADoyle- Thanks for replying- ADoyle: I don't understand this part: "First of all, the tannins in tea and coffee are the same thing as found on grape skins, so there's another reason why LDS are told not to consume those things." The last part of that sentence doesn't seem clear to me- LDS aren't supposed to consume grapes? Or they aren't supposed to consume tea and coffee because of the tannins found on grape skins? Neither sounds correct and I don't think you meant either of them, but it's all I can get out of it. Could you clarify? And normally, yes, you would have to brew the coffee to put it in, but there is actually a powdered form of espresso that you can put right in as is, no brewing required. =) Godless: I am not concerned about beer or wine, both of which I also use in cooking often- wine nearly 3x/week. I also am of the mindset that the church doesn't forbid coffee and tea because of caffeine necessarily, but I personally believe it is not good for you and choose not to drink anything with caffeine in it. (I know chocolate has some). I do believe it has more to do with the tannic acids (the church stance on coffee and tea) and maybe even the heat of the beverage. I have tried reading the labels, but information about tannic acid is never listed =).

Hey all- I wanted to check this out before purchasing anything that would be unhealthy for myself and for others I bake for: I have heard that a small amount of espresso powder can add depth to chocolate baked goods, however, I wasn't sure if that would be something that is against the church. I know drinking brewed coffee is, but I didn't know if it was the actual coffee bean that was bad to consume or just the brewing of the bean, since that makes it a "hot drink". I was also wondering about coffee flavoring (the kind that comes in a bottle). I have shied away from purchasing these products in the past, but would like to know what you all think. If you have facts, too, that would be great. I have had a hard time finding out much about caffeine levels and tannic (sp?) acid in coffee beans and the liquid flavoring- or if there is a chemical change that happens when coffee is brewed compared to when pre-brewed. Thanks!