Decaffeination isn't just about removing caffeine; it's about preserving the delicate flavours of the coffee while ensuring a caffeine-free experience.
Among the methods available, the Swiss Water Process stands out as a completely chemical-free, environmentally friendly method that maintains the integrity and taste of the coffee beans.
At Nordfell, we love the innovation and purity of this method! We're currently looking into introducing our own decaf coffee - and this is the only way we'll make it.
Let’s take a look at the science behind the Swiss Water Process and explore why it's our decaf method of choice.
What is the Swiss Water Process?
Developed in Switzerland in the 1930s, the Swiss Water Process is a decaffeination method that uses only water, temperature, and time to remove caffeine. It's a 100% chemical-free process, leveraging the natural solubility of caffeine in water to decaffeinate coffee beans effectively.
The Science Behind the Process
The Swiss Water Process begins with green coffee beans being soaked in hot water, which extracts caffeine along with flavour compounds. This initial batch of beans is discarded, but the water, now full of flavour compounds but free of caffeine, is filtered through activated charcoal, trapping and removing the caffeine. This creates what is known as "Green Coffee Extract" (GCE).
New batches of green coffee beans are then introduced to this GCE. Since the GCE is already saturated with flavour compounds, only the caffeine migrates from the beans to the water, leaving the flavours intact. This method is effective, removing 99.9% of caffeine while preserving the unique flavours of the coffee beans.
Benefits of the Swiss Water Process
- Chemical-Free: Unlike other decaffeination methods that rely on chemical solvents like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate, the Swiss Water Process uses no chemicals, making it safer for both the environment and coffee drinkers.
- Flavour Preservation: This method does not compromise the coffee’s flavour profile, which is often a concern with chemical-based processes.
- Healthier Choice: Ideal for coffee lovers who are sensitive to chemicals or looking to reduce their caffeine intake without exposure to residues from decaffeination chemicals.
Alternatives to the Swiss Water Process
Whilst we believe the Swiss Water Process is exceptional, there are other methods of decaffeination that also offer various benefits:
- Carbon Dioxide Process: This method uses supercritical CO2 as a solvent to extract caffeine. It’s highly efficient and can preserve a significant amount of the original flavour compounds.
- Direct Solvent Method: Involves directly soaking the beans in a chemical solvent to remove caffeine. Though less preferred due to chemical use, it's efficient and cost-effective.
When can I get Decaf Coffee from Nordfell?
We'll introduce our decaf coffee as soon as we possibly can - but we won't rush it, it has to be perfect! Keep an eye out for updates…
