Decaf Explained
Direct answer. Decaf is made by removing caffeine from green (unroasted) coffee before it is roasted. There are three main methods: solvent-based, CO2, and water process. Decaf is not caffeine-free. In the US, decaf is generally expected to have at least 97 percent of its caffeine removed.
How decaf is made
Solvent methods. Green beans are steamed or soaked, then treated with a solvent such as methylene chloride or ethyl acetate, which bonds with the caffeine and is then rinsed or steamed away. Regulators set limits on solvent residue, and the method is widely used because it is efficient.
CO2 method. Moistened beans are exposed to highly pressurized carbon dioxide, which acts like a solvent for caffeine. The CO2 is then separated from the caffeine and reused. It is used mostly for large volumes.
Water process. Green beans are soaked in hot water, which pulls out caffeine and flavor compounds. The water passes through activated carbon, which traps the caffeine, and the flavor-rich water is then used on fresh beans so they lose caffeine without losing as much flavor. No chemical solvents are used.
Our decaf
Every decaf we sell is water process. There are no chemical decafs here. I refuse to sell chemical decaf because I won't drink chemical decaf. You don't get a product I wouldn't drink myself. Lucca's Peru Decaf is grown by the El Palto (JUMARP) cooperative in the Amazonas region of Peru, at 1,600 to 1,800 meters. The varieties are Typica, Castillo, Bourbon and Catimor, and the green coffee is washed processed. It is a medium roast with medium body and medium acidity. It tastes of lemon, something herbal in the middle and chocolate on the finish, and none of that is added flavoring; it comes from the coffee itself. Like every coffee we sell, it is specialty grade (SCA 80 points or higher).
How much caffeine is left
A cup of brewed decaf typically has about 3 to 15 mg of caffeine, compared with roughly 95 mg in an 8 oz cup of regular brewed coffee. The US expectation is at least 97 percent removed; the EU sets its own limit by weight. Water process methods often remove more than the minimum, but we don't have a measured figure for our lot, so we don't quote one. If you need to avoid caffeine entirely, talk to your doctor.
Brewing decaf
Use the same recipes as regular coffee. Decaf can taste a little flatter if it is old, so keep it fresh and sealed. See the brewing guides.
FAQ
Is decaf completely caffeine-free?
No. A small amount remains, at most about 3 percent of the original under the US standard, and often less.
Does decaf taste different?
Slightly. The process changes the bean, but good decaf from good green coffee is close to regular.
Which decaf process is best?
It depends on your priorities. Water process avoids chemical solvents, and the others are also regulated and widely used.
What does water process mean?
Caffeine is removed from the green beans with water and activated carbon, with no chemical solvents.
How should I store decaf?
The same as any coffee: whole bean, airtight, cool and dark.
Next: read the brewing guides, or order Lucca's Peru Decaf. Shipping is free on every website order.