Decaf coffee isn’t just coffee without caffeine. For many, it’s a way to enjoy the taste and ritual of coffee without the jitters. But how do they make decaf?
There are several ways to remove caffeine from coffee beans, and they’re not all created equal. This article will dig into the different decaffeination methods, with a special focus on the Swiss Water process, and compare it to some other common techniques.
We’ll also touch on certifications and ethical issues surrounding decafs, so you can make an informed choice about the decaf coffee you buy.
How is coffee decaffeinated? Here’s a comparison of methods
There are several different ways to remove caffeine from coffee beans.
Chemical solvent methods: Methylene chloride and ethyl acetate
These methods use chemical solvents to pull the caffeine from unroasted green coffee beans. Methylene chloride and ethyl acetate are two of the solvents you’ll see most often.
Some people don’t like these methods because they’re concerned that the chemicals may negatively affect the coffee’s flavor and may not be safe.
The Swiss Water Process: Chemical-free decaffeination
The Swiss Water Process uses only water, temperature, and time to gently remove caffeine. No chemicals are involved.
The Swiss Water Process is certified organic and keeps its coffee certifications. Many coffee drinkers think it preserves the original flavor of the coffee better than the solvent methods.
Carbon dioxide decaffeination
This method uses natural CO2 as a solvent, so it’s generally considered a more natural approach than using methylene chloride or ethyl acetate.
Certifications and ethical considerations
If you care about ethical labor practices, look for Fairtrade Certified decaf coffee. This ensures that coffee farmers receive fair compensation for their work.
You may also want to look for an organic certification. Keep in mind that this only applies to unroasted, green coffee beans.
The Swiss Water process is often certified organic, which means the coffee beans were decaffeinated without the use of chemicals. OCIA certification is another one to look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “decaf” mean?
“Decaf” is short for decaffeinated. It refers to coffee that has had most of its caffeine removed. The decaffeination process aims to reduce the caffeine content significantly, typically leaving only a small percentage behind. There’s no such thing as caffeine-free coffee, but decaf is the closest you can get.
What is the meaning of the word “decafs”?
The word “decafs” is simply the plural form of “decaf.” It refers to multiple types, brands, or servings of decaffeinated coffee. For example, you might say, “I tried several different decafs before finding my favorite,” or “Are there any decafs on the menu?” when you want a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
Wrapping Up
When you’re choosing a decaf coffee, remember to think about how the caffeine was removed and whether the coffee has any certifications.
If you’re concerned about chemicals, look for coffee that’s been decaffeinated using the Swiss Water process, which is often organic.
If you want to support ethical business practices, choose a coffee that’s Fairtrade Certified.
By learning about these things, you can make a choice that’s right for you and for the world.