The thought of decaffeinated coffees might seem like an oxymoron to those who are loyal to coffee and its caffeinated reputation. However, some people choose decaffeinated coffee because they are sensitive to caffeine or want to limit their caffeine intake and still yearn for their favorite brew. An understanding of, or a deconstruction of, the processes used to remove caffeine can ensure coffee enthusiasts seeking a decaf option don’t have to give up quality to enjoy a decaf from their local craft roastery.
Decaffeinated coffee generally contains between 0 and 7 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, compared to 95 milligrams of caffeine in a regular cup of coffee.
The decaffeination process typically involves soaking green coffee beans in water to extract the caffeine. Although some methods use a solvent (such as ethyl acetate or methylene chloride) to remove the caffeine from the water, at Vienna Coffee Company our decaffeinated coffees are processed with either the Swiss Water® or Mountain Water Process methods. Water decaffeination processes use only water and osmosis to remove caffeine from the beans.
Water Decaffeination Processes:
In water decaffeination processes, green coffee beans are soaked in hot water, which causes the caffeine and other soluble compounds to dissolve and form a coffee extract. The extract is then passed through activated charcoal filters, which trap the caffeine molecules while allowing other compounds to pass through. The resulting extract, which still contains some flavor compounds, is then used to soak a new batch of green coffee beans.
Since the extract already contains the flavor compounds, these are not removed during the decaffeination process. This process does not use any chemicals, and the water used in the process is free from impurities, resulting in a purer and cleaner tasting coffee.
Swiss Water® and Mountain Water decaffeination are often considered more natural and environmentally friendly methods of decaffeinating coffee compared to solvent-based methods. They are also recognized as chemical-free decaffeination processes and are popular among coffee lovers who are looking for a healthier decaf option.
We proudly offer a variety of superior quality decaf coffees for those seeking a cup of coffee without the kick of caffeine. For a perfect espresso, we suggest our Chilhowee Mountain Decaf Espresso (which is equally delicious for those seeking a darker roasted french press or traditional drip brew). We also offer decaf options of our major house blends, Vienna Coffee House blend or Back Porch , along with decaf options of our complete lineup of flavored coffees.
At Vienna Coffee Company…
Our dedication to ensuring that we are a market leader in craft coffee throughout the southeast dictates that our approach to the quality of our decaffeinated coffees with the same vigor as the rest of our coffee lineup. This commitment demonstrates our continued pursuit to provide craft coffee that enriches the lives of customers and producers alike by providing an experience grounded in excellence and hospitality. We custom pick our green coffee beans from regions across The Coffee Belt and always seek responsible sourcing from seed to cup.
Our roasting team ensures each bean varietal is roasted according to its characteristics to enhance its peak flavors. VCC goes further by evaluating each roast through coffee cuppings to evaluate and adjust roasting specifics after each harvest is received.
Explore our complete line of coffees online or stop by the Coffee House and let our baristas do the brewing for you. We hope that exploring what we offer (whether its organic, single-origin, a VCC custom blend or your favorite flavored coffee) continues your journey in discovering that “Great Coffee is an Adventure”.
Further reading on decaf:
All About Decaffeinated Coffee - from the National Coffee Association
How is coffee decaffeinated? - from Royal New York