How are decaffeinated coffee beans made?

Decaffeinated coffee is the perfect choice for people who want the taste of coffee but don't want the stimulating effects of caffeine. Although coffee beans usually contain caffeine, decaffeinated coffee is made using a variety of methods to remove this substance while preserving the bean's flavour and aroma. Let's take a look at how decaffeinated coffee beans are produced and the main methods.

1. Methods of caffeine removal

Water method

This is one of the most popular methods for processing decaffeinated coffee beans. It is chemically free and environmentally friendly. In this process, the beans are soaked in water to dissolve the caffeine. The coffee liquid is then filtered through carbon filters, which remove the caffeine but retain most of the aroma and flavour of the coffee beans. This method is used to ensure that the coffee retains its natural flavour.

Organic solvent method

This process uses organic solvents such as ethyl acetate or methyl chloride to dissolve the caffeine from the coffee beans. The beans are moistened and then exposed to a solvent that removes the caffeine. The beans are then washed thoroughly to remove any remaining solvents. This method is effective and widely used, but some coffee lovers prefer natural methods.

CO2 methods

This method uses supercritical carbon, which is carbon dioxide that is heated and compressed to a temperature and pressure that gives it both liquid and gaseous properties. This CO2 'washes' the coffee beans, destroying the caffeine but preserving the beans' flavour and aroma. This method is considered to be very effective and safe, but it is also more expensive.

2. Roasting the beans

After the caffeine is removed from the beans, they are roasted to produce the final product - decaffeinated coffee. The roasting process is very important to preserve the flavour of the coffee. The coffee beans are exposed to high temperatures that develop their flavour and aroma, and it is at this stage that the specific nuances of each coffee variety are adapted.

Decaffeinated coffee beans are roasted in the same way as regular coffee beans, with different flavours depending on the level of roasting. The beans can be slightly milder or more pronounced, depending on the roasting method and the coffee variety used.

3. Quality control

After processing and roasting, the decaffeinated coffee beans are subjected to quality control. Producers carry out frequent tests to make sure that the coffee retains its high quality and taste and that all production standards are met.

4. The taste of decaffeinated coffee

Decaffeinated coffee may retain much of its normal flavour, but in some cases, due to the decaffeination process, it may be slightly milder or similar to other coffees, such as milk or chocolate in tone.

The production process of decaffeinated coffee beans is meticulous and technologically advanced to ensure that the coffee retains its high quality and flavour while removing caffeine. Whatever the method used, decaffeinated coffee offers a great way to enjoy coffee drinks without the effects of caffeine on the body.