How is caffeine removed from coffee beans?
Caffeine is removed from coffee beans through either a chemical or a water process. In the chemical method of decaffeinating coffee the beans are steamed or soaked in water to bring the caffeine to the surface. Methylene chloride is added to bond to the caffeine, then both are steamed or rinsed away. In testing the beans before roasting them, the level of Methylene chloride residue has been less than one part per million. Any remaining residue is burned away during the roasting process. The Swiss water decaffeinating process uses no solvent. Instead, water is added to the steamed beans to absorb the caffeine, then the water passes through activated charcoal filters, which retain the caffeine. Recent technology has improved the charcoal s ability to remove caffeine without removing the distinctive varietal characteristics of the beans.
