In the past, coffee connoisseurs may have turned up their noses at any discussion about utilising decaf as part of their daily intake. However, the decaf coffee bean has come a long way, and it is now produced with as much care and precision by professional suppliers as any other option.
These days, you can source some fantastic decaf coffee bean selections manufactured to ensure exceptional quality from trusted and celebrated origins. Whether you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake at home or you are serving customers at your commercial enterprise, it pays to be aware of the realities of the decaf bean, as there are some myths that seem to persist.
Here, we will walk you through the process of producing a decaf coffee bean and explore a few popular misconceptions about decaf that you may have thought were accurate. Read on to expand your knowledge and learn a little more about the mighty decaf coffee bean.
Decaf Coffee Beans are 100% Caffeine Free
In order to debunk this myth, it is helpful to understand the processes that can be utilised to strip the caffeine from the coffee beans.
Solvent Based
Most decaf beans sold in New Zealand are decaffeinated using the widespread and approved solvent-based method. In this method, the decaf beans are steamed and repeatedly soaked in the solvent, which binds to the caffeine in the beans and extracts it. Once the extraction process is complete, the beans are steamed again to remove any residual solvent.
The use of this solvent – usually methylene chloride or ethyl acetate – is strictly regulated and permitted by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ). So you can be certain it is safe.
Non-Solvent Based
CO₂
This is the method where the beans are placed in a high-pressure chamber, and CO₂ is pumped in. This binds to the bean, and then the CO₂ is sucked out again, utilising high-pressure extraction and leaving the beans largely caffeine-free.
Swiss Water Method
This starts with the green bean being soaked in hot water, creating a rich, flavourful liquid that includes caffeine. The fluid is then passed through activated charcoal filters, which capture all the caffeine, and then the bean is soaked in the caffeine-reduced liquid compound, recapturing all the flavour without the caffeine.
How Much Caffeine is Left?
As this is not an exact science, the residual caffeine content will vary. However, it is estimated that you would likely need to drink around ten cups of decaf coffee to get the hit you would from one cup of caffeinated beans. So, while you will still be getting a little caff in your cup, it really is a negligible amount.
Decaf Has No Flavour
This very much depends on who you are buying your coffee from. Much of the flavour profile is brought forward by the origin and the roasting method. Look for a team that uses traditional Venetian roasting methods and controls the production of the decaf coffee bean from the plantation to the cup. If you choose the right decaf coffee bean, you can expect to enjoy full-bodied flavour and delightful profiles, including notes of citrus, honey, and malt, as well as a toasty sweet finish.
Decaf is For Old People
As decaf coffee beans have evolved, so has the audience. There are lots of reasons to reduce your caffeine intake, and if you are drinking the right brand, you will not give anything up when you make decaffeinated beans a part of your lifestyle. You may be looking to cut back because you simply enjoy the flavour, and you don’t need the stimulation. You could be pregnant, training for a sports event, or you may just want to give yourself the best chance for a restful night’s sleep. Decaf is for everyone, so don’t be shy about giving it a go.
The Beans Are Inferior
Again, you need to select the right supplier. If you trust the team that are producing your decaf coffee beans you will know that they are sourcing them from the best possible origins and that they prioritise quality for every cup. As we explained earlier, it’s not a separate bean, so if you trust the brand, then you can be certain the beans they are using are high quality and they will deliver the depth and complexity you want when you lift that cup for the first sip.
How to Choose the Best Decaf Coffee Beans
To get the best, you should look for a company that offers transparency when it comes to sourcing and processing. Segafred Zanetti is proud to be taking charge of quality control by working across the entire production process from the plant to the cup – we are the only coffee company in the world that is involved at this level. Because we take charge of plantations in the premier coffee-growing regions around the world, we are able to oversee every step of the process to ensure our customers get the very best – no matter which bean or blend they choose.
To see for yourself, get in touch with our knowledgeable team or for the most delicious decaf coffee beans shop the range now.
