About
Origin: Mexico, Veracruz
Varieties: Caturra, Typica and Bourbon
Altitude: 1400-1800m
Processes: Natural, EA Sugar Cane
The “EA Sugar Cane” process (or decaffeination with naturally sourced ethyl acetate) is a method of decaffeinating coffee using ethyl acetate, a solvent naturally present in several fruits… and especially in sugar cane (hence its name).
The steps in the EA Sugar Cane process:
- The green grains are steamed to open their pores.
- The beans are rinsed with ethyl acetate. The molecule binds easily to caffeine, which it extracts.
- This rinsing cycle is repeated several times until approximately 97% of caffeine is removed.
- The beans are steamed again to eliminate any trace of solvent. They are then dried and sent to roasting.
This decaffeination method is widely appreciated in the world of specialty coffee because it is natural and helps to preserve the aromas of the coffee.