Decaffeinated coffee might seem completely alien if you're used to a caffeine kick every morning. However, for many people, it's the perfect option, whatever the reason. The truth is, for a long time, decaffeinated coffee has carried a reputation that we could call unfair: it has been associated with lower-quality coffee, chosen only by those who couldn't consume caffeine.
This reputation wasn't entirely unfounded, but it had a very specific explanation. For years, many decaffeinated coffees were made with low-quality beans and careless processes, which, just like with caffeinated coffee, resulted in a more bitter and lower-quality cup. Today, however, there are multiple options for specialty decaffeinated coffee that retain the same taste, aroma, and qualities as caffeinated coffee, but without its stimulating effects.
It is for this reason that at Barsel we have different decaffeinated coffee options so that everyone can enjoy coffee to the fullest.
What is decaffeinated coffee?
Decaffeinated coffee is coffee from which most of the caffeine has been removed before roasting, when the bean is still green. According to regulations, a minimum of 97% of the original caffeine must be removed, and in the European Union, roasted decaffeinated coffee must contain less than 0.1% caffeine by weight, which in practice means removing up to 99.9%. Therefore, decaffeinated coffee always retains a minimum amount of caffeine, albeit at very low levels.
Through different types of processes and methods, caffeine is removed from the green beans before roasting. It is during the subsequent roasting that the aromatic profile of the coffee fully develops, exactly as with caffeinated coffee.
Caffeine is naturally found in various plants and fruits, such as coffee or tea. It offers numerous benefits, but it also stimulates the nervous system, and experiencing that effect is not always recommended or desired.
What it means for decaffeinated coffee to be "specialty"
Not all decaffeinated coffees are the same, just as not all caffeinated coffees are. A specialty decaffeinated coffee starts with quality raw material: the bean has been selected for its origin, traceability, sensory profile, and absence of significant defects.
The difference is that it's not simply about "removing the caffeine," but about preserving everything that makes that coffee interesting: its sweetness, its acidity, its body, its aroma, and its tasting notes. That's why there's a wide range of decaffeinated coffees, each with different qualities and nuances depending on its origin and process.
Decaffeinated coffee: an option you hadn't considered
Decaffeinated coffee is an option many still haven't considered, influenced by the prejudices we've mentioned. However, specialty decaffeinated coffee has become the perfect choice for enjoying the full flavor of coffee without having to worry about the effects caffeine can cause. For those for whom a coffee after midday can affect their sleep. For those who are particularly sensitive to caffeine or for those who drink several coffees a day and want to reduce their consumption without giving up the ritual.
Because drinking decaf doesn't mean giving up coffee. It means choosing another way to enjoy it. At Barsel, we have different specialty decaffeinated coffee options so you can choose the one you like best, without sacrificing the experience of drinking good coffee.
