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How to remove caffeine from decaffeinated coffee?


When you need to reduce your caffeine intake for a variety of reasons, decaf, or coffee that has had the caffeine removed, becomes an option.

In this article, we'll discuss a few ways to eliminate caffeine.

First of all, what is decaf?

Decaf refers to coffee that contains only a small amount of caffeine.

In Japan, coffee can be labeled as "caffeine-free coffee" or "decaffeinated coffee" if more than 90% of the caffeine has been removed, but in Europe, coffee cannot be called decaffeinated unless it contains less than 0.2% caffeine in the coffee beans.

A small amount of coffee is naturally low in caffeine, and some coffee varieties are genetically modified to be caffeine-free.

However, the decaffeinated coffee you commonly encounter has undergone a Manabu process called decaffeination.

There are several ways to remove caffeine from coffee, and these are done on the green beans before they are roasted, which is how decaffeinated coffee is made.

Decaffeinated coffee generally tastes slightly different than caffeinated coffee, depending on the original coffee and the method used, and all methods usually leave a small amount of caffeine behind.

The four most common methods of decaffeination


So, here are some steps to the decaffeinated process.

Methylene Chloride Process


Methylene chloride, also known as MC or dichloromethane, is a Manabu solvent process in which green coffee beans are steeped in hot water and methylene chloride is added to extract the caffeine.

The MC/caffeine binding particles are then filtered out and the beans are rehydrated. However, due to concerns about its carcinogenicity, the use of this MC/dichloromethane solvent is prohibited in Japan.

Ethyl acetate/sugarcane process


The solvent, ethyl acetate (EA), occurs naturally in rotting fruit such as bananas and blackberries, and is also a by-product of sugar production from sugar cane.
However, EA can also be Manabu synthesized from petroleum derivatives.

In this process, green beans are steamed at low pressure and then steeped in EA, which binds and draws out the caffeine particles. This is the most common method of decaffeination in coffee growing regions.

Swiss Water Process


A proprietary process in which green beans are slowly steeped in water to create an extract that displaces caffeine particles. The water is saturated with non-caffeine compounds. The coffee is filtered through a carbon filter that traps only the caffeine, allowing other soluble solids and flavor compounds to remain intact.

Because no chemical Manabu are added to the coffee, Swiss Water is believed to have little residual flavor from the decaffeination process.

Mountain Water Process


This is a process that uses water, similar to Swiss Water, but uses methylene chloride. It is made by Mexican companies, and Mexican decaf coffee often uses the Mountain Water process.

CO2 Process


This is another process that doesn't add any chemical Manabu and is popular in Europe. In this process, liquid (or supercritical) carbon dioxide draws the caffeine particles from the green beans into a liquid. The liquid is then filtered and returned to a gaseous state, and the caffeine is separated again.

In the CO2 process, flavor compounds remain in the coffee beans throughout the process, preserving flavor characteristics to a great extent.

Here are some of the most commonly used methods for removing caffeine.

There are differences in the presence or absence of chemical Manabu and the effect on flavor, so when handling or drinking decaffeinated coffee beans, it is said that you should check how the caffeine was removed. Please use this as a reference for choosing decaffeinated coffee.

The benefits of decaf coffee and how to enjoy it

Decaf coffee is a great option for those who want to limit their caffeine intake. It has little impact on sleep, so it can be enjoyed safely before bedtime, and pregnant and breastfeeding women can enjoy the taste of coffee during times when caffeine restrictions are necessary. It also helps reduce anxiety and irritability by avoiding the stimulant effects of caffeine. In addition, it is less acidic than regular coffee, making it a gentle drink for those with sensitive stomachs.

There are many ways to enjoy decaf coffee. Choose your favorite brewing method, such as drip, French press, or espresso, and find the cup that suits you best. Extracting at a slightly lower temperature than regular coffee reduces the bitterness, allowing you to enjoy a mellow flavor. It is also an interesting experiment to blend multiple beans to create a unique flavor. Adding milk and spices to make a cafe latte or spiced coffee is also a great way to enjoy decaf coffee.

We hope that the various decaffeinated methods introduced in this article will help you on your journey to find your favorite decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeinated coffee is a great option that allows you to enjoy the aroma and taste of coffee without worrying about caffeine. You can live a rich life with coffee while also being mindful of your health.

Decaffeinated coffee allows you to fully enjoy the charm of coffee. The pleasant aroma and flavor will bring a little luxury and comfort to your daily life. We hope you will enjoy a wonderful time with decaffeinated coffee.


2024.7.19
CROWD ROASTER