Decaf coffee and the 3rd Wave

Great tasting Decaf is here at last!

Gone are the days when you couldnt get a good tasting Decaf. The world of decaf coffee has evolved significantly in recent years, thanks to the advent of 3rd wave coffee culture and innovative decaffeination methods. In this blog, we'll explore how 3rd wave decaf coffee has improved and how methods like Swiss Water, sugarcane, and CO2 processing contribute to creating amazing flavor in decaf coffee using freshly roasted beans.

 

Today - Decaf coffee is now just as awesome as its caffeinated cousin!

Click on the pic to discover our range of Decaf Coffee.

 

What is 3rd Wave Coffee ?

The 1st wave of coffee; is considered by many as a period of exploitation of coffee-producing regions for the profit of large brands like Folger’s in Amercia. This involved the mass production of beans to be roasted, ground and then sold in supermarkets. Think Maxwell House / Nescafe.
    The 2nd wave of coffee; is generally about the rise of brands like Starbucks and Caribou Coffee that revolutionised cafe culture in the United States. These roasters and cafes brought coffee to life in a new way in the late 1900’s by introducing coffee lovers to a wider variety of coffee experiences. The latte, etc.
      The 3rd wave of coffee; is a movement in coffee making emphasising higher quality. Beans are typically sourced from individual farms and are roasted more lightly to bring out their distinctive flavors, often creating much stronger flavours of fruity and floral tastes. Respect for how complex coffee is as an agricultural product and the dedication it takes to cultivate and process great beans. Independant Farmers are typicallly paid more for their beans, and the result has been an explosion in light and medium roasted coffee beans, offering exciting tasting notes in filter coffees and espresso.

        The Evolution of Decaf Coffee

        Decaf coffee has come a long way from its origins as a bland and uninspiring alternative. Here are some key reasons why 3rd wave decaf coffee is now better than ever:

        1. Quality Beans

        • 3rd wave coffee enthusiasts are committed to sourcing high-quality coffee beans, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated. This means that decaf coffee starts with a strong foundation of exceptional beans.

        2. Roasting Expertise

        • Third wave coffee roasters prioritize precision and craftsmanship in their roasting process. They understand that decaffeinated beans require the same attention to detail as their caffeinated counterparts.

        3. Improved Decaffeination Methods

        Decaffeination methods have undergone significant improvements, ensuring that the coffee's flavor profile remains intact during the process. Here, we'll delve into three prominent methods contributing to the resurgence of great-tasting decaf coffee:

        Swiss Water Method.

        The Swiss Water Method is celebrated for its ability to decaffeinate coffee without the use of chemicals while preserving the beans' natural flavors.

        Here's how it works.

        • Green Coffee Soaking: Green coffee beans are soaked in hot water, dissolving the caffeine.
        • Carbon Filters: The caffeine-rich water is passed through activated carbon filters that selectively remove only the caffeine molecules.
        • Reuse of Flavorful Water: The beans are returned to this flavorful water to reabsorb the coffee's essential oils and flavors without caffeine.

        Benefits of Swiss Water Decaf

        • Retains the intricate flavor profiles of the coffee beans.
        • No residual chemical taste or odor.
        • Environmentally friendly and chemical-free.

        Sugarcane Decaf Method

        The sugarcane decaffeination method is relatively new but gaining popularity due to its natural and sustainable approach.

        Here's how it works

        • Ethyl Acetate Extraction: Ethyl acetate, a compound found in sugarcane, is used to extract caffeine from the beans.
        • Steam & Vacuum Process: The beans are steamed to remove the ethyl acetate and caffeine. This process is repeated until the desired decaffeination level is achieved.

        Benefits of Sugarcane Decaf

        • Natural and sustainable, using a byproduct of sugarcane production.
        • Retains the coffee's original flavor characteristics.
        • No chemical residue.

        CO2 Processing Method

        The CO2 processing method is known for its ability to remove caffeine without sacrificing flavor.

        Here's how it works:

        • Pressurized Carbon Dioxide: Green coffee beans are exposed to highly pressurized carbon dioxide, which acts as a solvent to extract caffeine.
        • Selective Caffeine Removal: The caffeine-laden CO2 is separated, leaving behind caffeine-free coffee beans.
        • Reabsorption of Flavors: The beans are reintroduced to low-pressure CO2, allowing them to reabsorb their original flavors. The result is a cup of decaf with all the original flavour retained.

        Benefits of CO2 Decaf

        • Precise and efficient caffeine removal.
        • Excellent retention of flavor compounds.
        • No chemical residues or flavors.

        The Final Cup: Delicious Decaf Coffee

        In conclusion, 3rd wave decaf coffee has truly evolved into something remarkable. With a foundation of high-quality beans and a commitment to precise roasting techniques, the coffee industry has unlocked the potential for decaf to be a delightful and flavorful experience. Innovative decaffeination methods like the Swiss Water Method, Sugarcane Decaffeination, and CO2 processing play a pivotal role in preserving the natural flavors of the coffee beans, making decaf a viable and enjoyable option for all coffee lovers.

        So, whether you're looking to reduce your caffeine intake or just enjoy a cup of coffee with no caffeine - hello coffeebox has an awesome Decaf coffee wating for you!

        - Check our new range of Decaf below..

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