Some of us drink coffee for a pick–me-up. Some of us drink coffee for the taste. Some of us drink coffee for both reasons. In this piece I break down the various decaffeination methods while also looking at various benefits that caffeine is said to have. Think of this piece as a little something for everyone. To all the coffee lovers out there. Caffeinated or decaffeinated.
There are several methods used to decaffeinate coffee beans, each designed to extract caffeine without diminishing the flavor of the coffee. The most common methods are:
Solvent-based Method: Beans are steamed to open their pores, then treated with a chemical solvent such as methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. The solvent is then removed, and the beans are dried. Some people have concerns with this method due to potential for chemical residue which could then be consumed.
Swiss Water Process: This chemical-free method involves soaking the beans in hot water, which dissolves the caffeine and other soluble compounds. The water is then passed through a carbon filter that traps the caffeine. The beans are resoaked in caffeine free water to reabsorb the flavor compounds that were removed. This process is popular with health enthusiasts as well as people who are organic.
Carbon Dioxide Method: In this method, liquid carbon dioxide is used to extract caffeine from the beans. The CO2 selectively bonds to the caffeine molecules, leaving the other flavors intact. This method works very well and is popular with large-scale coffee producers. Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive substance. When caffeine is consumed in moderation it can have positive effects.
Caffeine can promote a sense of alertness.
Caffeine is often used by athletes and people who are in competitive sports, and it is said to enhance performance.
Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancer, in studies, have been shown to take less of a hold on people who consume caffeine.
Caffeine can stimulate the release of dopamine, which may help elevate mood and decrease depression.
Since coffee is often consumed in social situations and coffee houses are popular destinations for friends and colleagues to meet, be it caffeinated or not, a positive mood can potentially be gained just by the act of gathering around the coffee. Family members share cups before, during, after meals. It is often the first thing con-sumed by many people each day, just the act of reaching for the cup can elicit joy.
Whether decaf or full steam ahead, I hope that your next cup is satisfying for all the reasons you wish it to be!
