Descafeinado Café

How to Choose Decaf Coffee

When choosing decaf coffee, it helps to consider the format and brewing method, but first it is worth understanding what decaf actually is and how it is made. Below, we cover the process, the flavours you can expect, and how decaf can fit into your everyday coffee routine.

What Is Decaf Coffee?

Decaf coffee, also known as caffeine-free or decaffeinated coffee, is coffee from which most of the caffeine has been removed before roasting. KALVE offers one decaf coffee, Colombia Risaralda, sourced from local farmers in the Risaralda region at altitudes of 1,400 to 2,000 metres above sea level. It is part of a regional blend made up of coffees from the Asocafe Tatama Santuario, El Aguila and Entreverdes areas, and is prepared by KALVE's partner, Raw Material. The coffee varieties in this blend are Castillo, Variedad Colombia and Caturra. As with all KALVE coffees, it meets specialty coffee standards.

How Is the Caffeine Removed?

The caffeine is removed from Colombia Risaralda using the washed sugarcane process, before the beans reach the roastery. The process begins by steaming the beans, which makes them more porous and initiates the hydrolysis of caffeine, as caffeine is naturally bound to salts and chlorogenic acid. The beans are then soaked in an ethyl acetate solution until around 97% of the caffeine has been removed. Finally, steam is used to remove any remaining traces of the solution.

Ethyl acetate is a naturally occurring compound produced during fruit fermentation and found in foods and drinks such as ripe bananas and beer. This is why the sugarcane process is often referred to as a natural decaffeination process, in contrast to methods that rely on synthetic solvents.

Does Decaf Coffee Taste Different?

KALVE applies the same specialty standards to its decaf coffee as it does to the rest of its range. Colombia Risaralda scores 82.75 out of 100, placing it within the specialty coffee category. It has a silky texture with notes of brown spices, alongside hazelnut and dark chocolate. The finish brings subtle notes of dried stone fruit.

How to Choose the Right Format and Brewing Method

Decaf coffee is available as whole beans in 250 g or 1 kg packs, with the grind selected according to your preferred brewing method: espresso machine, moka pot, pour-over or French press. For the office or when travelling, ready-to-use coffee bags are a convenient option. Simply pour 220 to 240 ml of hot water over the bag and brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Really No Caffeine in Decaf Coffee?

No. It is not possible to remove caffeine completely. The sugarcane process reduces the caffeine content by around 97%, so a small amount remains. This is one of the highest reduction rates among commonly used decaffeination methods.

How Is Caffeine Removed from Coffee Beans?

KALVE uses the washed sugarcane process, in which the beans are first steamed and then soaked in an ethyl acetate solution. Ethyl acetate is a naturally occurring compound also found in fermented fruit, which is why this process is considered a natural method of decaffeination.

Does Decaf Coffee Taste Different from Regular Coffee?

The flavour of coffee is shaped by its origin and processing, just as it is with any other coffee. KALVE's decaf coffee has the same specialty classification as the rest of the range, with a silky texture and notes of spices, nuts and chocolate.

Can Decaf Coffee Beans Be Brewed Like Regular Coffee?

Yes. Decaf beans can be brewed in the same way as any other KALVE coffee. Simply choose the brewing method you prefer, and the grind will be adjusted accordingly.

Are Caffeine-Free Coffee and Decaf the Same Thing?

Yes. Caffeine-free coffee, decaf coffee and decaffeinated coffee all refer to the same type of product. The English term "decaf" is short for "decaffeinated", and the abbreviated term is also commonly used in other languages, including Latvian.

Can You Drink Decaf Coffee in the Evening?

Decaf coffee contains significantly less caffeine than regular coffee, as the decaffeination process removes around 97% of it. This is why many people choose decaf later in the day as well.

Does KALVE Offer Decaf Coffee as Ground Coffee or in Coffee Bags?

Yes. Decaf coffee is available as whole beans with your preferred grind, or as ready-to-use coffee bags. It is always part of the KALVE range, whether you are enjoying it at a café or brewing it at home.