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c Origin
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Method were obtained from spent coffee grounds. This is heated
during several hours at a high temperature and the coffee
This process is considered to be organic since it uses oils that contain triglycerides will separate the caffeine
carbon dioxide as a solvent, which even if synthetically but apparently doesn’t sacrifice the flavor. This is the
produced is considered an organic gas. In this process, most recent procedure to remove caffeine.
water soaked beans are placed in extraction vessels made By now you should have questioned yourself about
of stainless steel that can resist very high pressure. The the flavor’s quality since all the processes involve soaking
extractor is then sealed and CO2 is introduced at pres- the beans in water or opening their pores. Yes, the flavor
sures of 1,000 pounds per square inch to extract the will be different but depending on the process, most
caffeine, at this pressure CO2 turns into liquid. The CO2 flavor components will remain in the final cup.
that acts like a solvent removes not only the caffeine but The roasting process is also important to take into
the large flavor molecules as well, which is then trans- account since decaf coffee will be brown rather than
ferred to the absorption chamber, the pressure is released green after the decaffeination process and their moisture
and the CO2 returns to the gaseous state. The caffeine levels tend to be lower. This means that recognizing the
free CO2 will then be recycled and the process will start roast level by sight will be difficult from the beginning
again. This process is mainly used for commercial coffees and since it has a lower moisture content it will roast
due to its high cost. faster. If you really need that decaf specialty cup of Joe
make sure you are getting it from a skilled roaster.
Triglyceride or Coffee Oil Process
Last but not least, during this process, after the
beans have been soaked in hot water they are transferred So which decaf process
to another container and immersed in coffee oils that
would you choose?
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