DECAF COFFEE - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you think the whole point in coffee is the caffeine, think again. There are plenty of reasons to drink coffee, including decaf coffee. In fact, decaf coffee is a staple for millions of coffee drinkers across the globe.

We’ve broken down what separates decaf from caffeinated coffee and why some people prefer a decaf equivalent of their favourite brew.

What’s the difference between decaf coffee and regular coffee?

Aside from having little caffeine content, commercial decaf coffee might taste slightly milder from regular coffee due to the decaffeination process it’s undergone. The flavour profiles and textures may not taste the same.

However, this largely depends on the bean origins, grind and freshness. A well-sourced specialty bean consumed fresh will still taste just as exceptional as its caffeinated counterparts.

A specialty decaf coffee like our Popayán Decaf still packs the same punch in terms of flavours, textures and number of antioxidants as a regular cup of coffee. All the way from Colombia, this bean offers a smooth finish, with notes of golden syrup, malt biscuit and dried apricot coming through. And just like regular coffee, it’s available as a coffee bean or as ground coffee for enjoyment via different brewing methods.

How is decaf coffee made?

Coffee beans are naturally full of caffeine. To make decaf coffee, the beans need to be processed to remove the caffeine before being roasted.

Coffee producers transport their coffee to a decaffeination station where manufacturers either soak or steam the raw beans using water to make the caffeine soluble. Then, they add a solvent to remove the caffeine from the beans.

Is decaf coffee bad for you?

While the idea of consuming something that’s been exposed to a solvent might sound bad, in actual fact there are plenty of natural solvents that are not harmful for human consumption. This is the difference between speciality coffee, which is sourced and grown organically and ethically, and commercial coffee.

At Fireheart Coffee, we’re committed to using a natural decaffeination process for our Popayan Decaf. Our Columbian partners at Descafecol use a completely natural process combining high mountain spring water and Ethyl Acetate (EA) obtained from sugar canes. The result is a sweet and authentic flavour that’s absolutely chemical-free.

Does decaf coffee have caffeine?

It’s important to know—especially for those who are hypersensitive—that there are small traces of caffeine left in decaf coffee. However, it’s not nearly enough to deliver the full kick of regular coffee.

Why do people drink decaf coffee?

Many coffee lovers choose decaf over regular coffee due to the body’s reaction to caffeine. While caffeine is a great tool for boosting energy levels, productivity and focus, for those who are hypersensitive to caffeine it often comes at a cost. In such instances, decaf coffee is preferable due to the benefits of not overloading the body with caffeine:

• Reduced anxiety — While many of us thrive off our coffee buzz, for anxiety sufferers the coffee high leads to feelings of discomfort including an increased heart rate, jitters and racing, anxious thoughts. For those who experience this, decaf is a great alternative to enjoy the taste of coffee without undesirable side-effects.
• Better sleep — Caffeine gives us an energy boost, but the downside of this can be reduced sleep quality or difficulty falling asleep. For those who are sensitive to caffeine, decaf is a great alternative to maintain a good sleeping pattern.

Expertly sourced, specialty decaf tastes just as good as regular coffee

The choice between decaf and regular coffee ultimately comes down to lifestyle and health. While the majority can happily drink regular coffee, switching to decaf may be advisable for those who are caffeine sensitive. When sourced from the best coffee plantations, properly roasted by experts and consumed fresh, decaf coffee offers all the enjoyment that regular coffee does with regards to flavour.

Never compromise on flavour again — Fireheart Coffee specialises in sourcing the best seasonal coffee, ethically sourced, perfectly roasted and delivered fresh straight to your door. Shop our decaf coffee and other products today.