Decaf Coffee

The coffee bean contains caffeine naturally. To produce decaffeinated coffee, an additional step is added to the roasting process.

There are two different primary methods used to make decaf coffee. The first is the European Process. This process involves soaking the beans in water, followed by a washing in methylene chloride. The chemical absorbs the caffeine. This chemical is thoroughly removed from the beans before shipment to the roaster. In the Swiss Water Process, the caffeine is removed by using hot water and steam and no chemicals. There are pros and cons for each method. Some people object to the use of chemicals for decaffeinating coffee even though all chemicals are washed off. For them the best choice is beans subjected to the Swiss Water Process. But the Swiss Water Process removes more of the natural oils in the bean, which can make the coffee less flavorful.

There are many types of decaf coffee just like there are many regular coffee types. You can buy decaf coffee sold both at the grocery store and online, such as Folgers Instant Decaf Coffee. You can also buy decaf gourmet coffee and organic decaf coffee. There have been interesting coffee recipes invented also using decaf coffee also, like Chocolate Fondue Fountain and Hot Chocolate Decaffeinated Coffee. Recipes like that are for both coffee and chocolate lovers.

Some people drink decaffeinated coffee because they have high blood pressure. Medical studies have shown a relationship between caffeine consumption and high blood pressure. In many cases, after switching from regular coffee to decaf coffee, high blood pressure drops. Some studies have indicated that decaf coffee helps burn calories also. It really doesn’t matter what reason you have for choosing decaf coffee. For those with health issues needing decaffeinated coffee, harmful levels of caffeine have been reduced by 90%.

You can buy decaffeinated coffees online. In fact, online is the best place to find gourmet decaf coffee. Decaf coffee flavors are dependent upon the choice of coffee bean, roasting method and decaffeinating method. Purchasing a high quality decaf coffee often results in a cup of coffee indistinguishable from a regular cup of coffee. If you choose to drink decaf coffee, there is no reason to give up flavor or quality. Choose your decaf coffee with the same expectations you have for a regular cup of coffee.