Fun Facts About Decaf Coffee

Here is another “Things You Might Not Know” list about decaffeinated coffee:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/decaf-coffee-facts.html

This list gives 8 “facts”. First we give the all important item (#9) which they left off -- then we share are our comments on each:

#9 Decaf Coffee Fact from Artisan Coffee Imports: you don’t need to compromise on taste!

1. Decaf doesn’t mean caffeine-free: very true!
2. The amount of caffeine in decaf varies (a lot): true it varies, whether it varies “a lot” depends on your definition of “a lot”. Some would say the difference between 20mg and 32 mg is pretty insignificant.
3. Not all decaf is equal: Indeed, there are four different methods to decaffeinate coffee: two organic and two ‘conventional.’ Reading this makes me suspect the author works for Swiss Water or has just been inundated by that company’s effective marketing. Water and CO2 are the two organic methods, but “Swiss Water” is not the only water process available. There is also the “Mountain Water Process” available, and “Mountain” and “Swiss” are essentially the same process, just owned by different companies.  The two conventional processes utilize methylene chloride or ethyl acetate as solvents. Both are harmless, especially after roasting at > 400 degrees F for 20 minutes, but I understand and appreciate those who prefer to go organic.
4. 1 in 10 coffee drinkers reach for decaf. Interesting and probably accurate statistic. The NCA does a good job with their annual survey. The real news is the fact that Counter Culture gets about 18% of sales from decaf. Counter Culture is an example of a roasting company, where everything they do is done as “right” as they possibly can. Even the decaf. They, more than many, are selective and take care to create decafs that taste good. (See Fact #9.)

Facts 5, 6, 7 and 8: all are about health benefits of coffee -- liver, diabetes, cholesterol, prostate. Our suggestions, do not drink coffee, decaf or otherwise, to cure these or any health problems. To improve health, exercise and eat right. And drink decaf coffee for the taste and pleasure!