Advantages, history and production methods

Once upon a time, in the fragrant backstage of Cafés Méo, there was an intriguing and fascinating mystery. We will lift the veil the secrets of decaffeinated coffeethis drink that combines the pleasure of coffee without the effects of caffeine. Are you ready for a sensorial, informative and, of course, gourmet journey? Sit back and relax with a cup of your favorite decaf Cafés Méo and let us guide you through its historyTHE production methods and his advantages for your organization

What is decaffeinated coffee?

Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a precise definition. Decaffeination is a process discovered in the 20th century, which allows it remove the caffeine molecule from coffee beans. Thanks to this, you can enjoy your coffee without feeling the energizing or exciting effects that can be found naturally.

For many, the decaffeinated is synonymous with uncompromising pleasure, allowing you to savor the rich and complex taste of coffee without the stimulating effects. But how to differentiate it of his caffeine-rich cousin?

The difference with ‘classic’ coffee

The main and obvious difference between decaffeinated coffee and classic coffee lies in the its caffeine content. While the former generally contains only 2 to 5 mg of caffeine, the latter can range from 70 to 140 mg. Decaffeinated coffee will therefore be a reasoned choice for coffee lovers who don’t want to give up the goodness of a good cup. The goal? Do not feel the exciting effectsespecially at the end of the day, for example.

The origins and evolution of decaffeinated coffee

We must therefore go back to the beginning of the 20th century to find the origins of the concept of decaffeination. He is the German chemist, Ludwig Roseliowho, in 1903, discovered by chance a method of decaffeinating by soaking coffee beans in salt water after noticing that they have lost caffeine. Since then the methods have evolved, combining tradition and innovation to perfect this process.

Why choose decaffeinated coffee?

Less caffeine, more serenity? The concept is not that simple and, above all, specific to each person, to our desires and tastes. A cup of decaf that allows you to savor its essence without feeling its stimulating effects makes it the perfect option for caffeine-sensitive consumers. Enjoy the aroma and taste of your favorite coffee, while avoiding disturbing your sleep.

Keep in mind that if the the popularity of the small decaffeinated coffee is constantly growingit is considerably more so among younger enthusiasts, who are looking for a more balanced lifestyle. Today, if studies show this approximately 8% of the coffee consumed in France is decaffeinatedthey also demonstrate that in Europe its consumption had already increased by 5% between 2017 and 2021 (according to Statista Europe). A report on the other side of the Atlantic even predicts annual growth of 7.6% by 2025 (source: Grand Review Research).

Some organic decaf?

And for the same great reasons as organically grown decaffeinated coffee without pesticides or chemical fertilizersis booming. At Café Méo we are proud to offer organic coffees, guaranteeing a quality that corresponds to our commitment to respecting nature.

A certified organic and fair trade coffee a promise of quality from culture to cup. For lovers of practical and automatic machines, we have developed our recipe for certified organic and Fairtrade Max Havelaar decaffeinated coffee, in Nespresso compatible capsules and Senseo compatible pods. Finally, for those who are more equipped, use our decaffeinated bean recipe for your coffee grinder or bean machine. A recipe that respects itself the know-how of our roastersfor all your machines!

Decaffeination methods, between science and tradition

Combining sophisticated techniques to extract caffeine while preserving the delicate flavors of coffee, Decaffeination is an art in itself. There are several methods divided into two large families: chemical methods and the natural methodswithout chemical solvents. To find out more about the decaffeination process, read our dedicated article.

Water methods

• The «Swiss Water Process» it’s a natural and solvent-free technique which he uses only water to extract the caffeine. The coffee beans are soaked in hot water to dissolve the caffeine, then filtered through activated carbon which will capture it. Finally, to restore the original aromas, the beans are infused with this water, now caffeine-free. This method is particularly favorable authentic flavors coffee.

• Hot and cold water methods they work the same way, it is the temperature of the water that allows the extraction of caffeine. If hot water speeds up the process, cold water will use a slower and therefore gentler extraction. These methods preserve the aromas and taste of the coffee as faithfully as possible.

Co2 method

The method a carbon dioxide it is an innovative, recognized technique environmentally friendly. Co2 is used to dissolve caffeine from coffee beans without altering their aromatic components. To be more precise and technical, the main advantage of this process is that the extraction does not use high temperatures and does not damage the quality of the coffee, to maintain all its identity.

Solvent method

It is a method that is more controversialwhy it uses chemical agents such as methylene chloride. Although this method is very effective in extracting caffeine, raises many questions and concerns about purity and safety related to potential residues. The beans are first subjected to strong steam to make them porous, before being immersed in a water bath containing these chemicals.

The choice of Méo Cafés

At Café Méo we choose a decaffeination that has the least possible impact on the quality of your cup. So that you can continue to enjoy your coffee break and all its flavours. All our decaf drinks are decaffeinated without chemical solventwe are therefore in favor of cold water method to preserve all the aromas of your coffee, but also the decaffeination with carbon dioxide because we are proud to be active in preserving and respecting our environment. We also recently use the 100% natural decaffeination method. ‘sugar cane’ (sugar cane), which consists of mixing acetic acid, natural vinegar, with fermented cane sugar to subject the coffee beans to this mixture and produce the extraction of caffeine.

The benefits for your health

If we recognize easily enough the virtues of decaffeinated coffee Compared to classic coffee, the «small decaffeinated» offers numerous health benefits.

In people sensitive to caffeine, the benefits are clear: reduced anxiety, improved sleep, reduced heart palpitations.

But above all, decaffeinated coffee retains much of the antioxidants present in classic coffee, it helps the body fight certain diseases or free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause premature aging of cells.

What about the taste of decaffeinated coffee? Myth or reality?

Can decaffeinated coffee compete in terms of taste with regular coffee? Do we find the same pleasure, the same sensations, the same comfort in every sip? The answer is yes!

With the modern decaffeination techniques mentioned previously, specific roasting, decaffeinated coffee retains the richness of its aromas. We at Cafés Méo are committed to preserving the unique character of each coffee, its flavours, both classic and decaffeinated.

Bonus: our tips and tricks for enjoying your decaf coffee

• Choose fresh, quality coffee: prefer freshly roasted organic beans.
• The importance of storage: Store coffee in an airtight container, away from light.
• Choose a suitable grind: use a grind according to your preferences (filtered coffee, espresso, etc.).
• The gastronomic accompaniment: Coffee remains a gourmet pleasure, so don’t hesitate to reveal its flavors with a homemade dessert, dried fruit or the unmistakable dark chocolate.

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or a curious beginner, we hope so explore the world of decaffeinated coffee it will have inspired and comforted you, like a good coffee can do. Enjoy every sip and let yourself be carried away by the history and passion that animates every coffee bean at Cafés Méo.