The Swiss Water decaf method removes caffeine without harsh chemicals such as solvents. Instead, it uses water. It’s an organic approach to decaffeination that allows the coffee to retain its pre-decaffeinated certifications and original flavour profile.
The Swiss water method takes place in a plant located in Vancouver. It uses a process that is 100% chemical-free, consisting of only water and Green Coffee Extract (GCE), a solution made from fresh water and soluble coffee compounds. The beans are first soaked in pure water to expand them in preparation for the GCE to diffuse the caffeine out of them. This process is repeated for 8 to 10 hours, until the coffee beans are 99.9% free from caffeine. Due to the nature of this process, Swiss Water coffee beans get to keep their Fairtrade and Soil Association certification; they remain organic.
How does Swiss Water impact the flavour?
Like the cultures of people, coffee flavours are affected by the environment they grow in. They have their own unique flavour profiles, influenced by the climate, soil quality, altitude and agricultural practices they’ve been grown in. Different farms use different plant varieties and processes that greatly affect the character of the bean, which is why different origins will have different notes and flavours.
The Swiss Water method is gentler than the widely used solvents and doesn’t strip the coffee of all the compounds that make it taste unique. By using this method, we protect the integrity of the bean and its original character and flavour.
Is decaf Coffee good for you?
There are many health benefits to consuming your morning coffee; in fact, some of these benefits are even stronger if the coffee has been decaffeinated. These benefits include:
- High levels of antioxidants: Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and protect cells from DNA damage. This supports eye health, skin health and brain function.
- Improved liver health: Research suggests that regular coffee consumption may support liver health and is associated with a lower risk of certain liver conditions.
- Reduced risk of some diseases: Studies have found an association between regular coffee consumption and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The compounds in coffee improve how the body processes sugar, leading to improved insulin sensitivity. The antioxidant-rich compounds also reduce your risk of heart disease by battling insulin resistance and fighting inflammation.
- Magnesium and Potassium: A standard cup of coffee contains a small amount of minerals (7mg of magnesium and 116mg of potassium), contributing to your electrolyte intake.
The Swiss Water Decaffeination process is gentle, which means that your coffee retains many of the beneficial compounds and naturally occuring nutrients - minus the caffeine. Caffeine has its positives; it makes you more alert and can aid in concentration, but it’s not for everyone. For some, caffeine can result in anxiety, feelings of jitteriness, and even stomach troubles. It’s for these reasons that many opt for caffeine-free varieties of their morning drink.
The health benefits of drinking decaffeinated coffee include:
- Improved sleep quality: Drinking caffeine in the afternoon often leads to disrupted or low-quality sleep due to its stimulating qualities. Decaf allows you to enjoy coffee at any hour of the day without having to suffer the consequences of your alertness later down the line. You’re safe to try your favourite decaf coffee beans before bed!
- No Caffeine side effects: Some people are unfortunately more sensitive to caffeine than others. Opting for decaf means that you don’t experience the restlessness and anxiety that you would otherwise have to battle with post-drink.
- Health Conditions: Some health conditions such as POTS or even pregnancy mean that someone can’t have a high intake of caffeine. Choosing decaf means that they don't have to miss out on all the cosy bitter notes of a good morning coffee break.
You may be thinking, is there a catch? Are there any negative side effects to decaf coffee? The answer is no! For most people, decaffeinated coffee is considered safe to drink. Swiss Water decaffeination removes 99.9% of the caffeine without the use of chemical solvents, meaning even people with caffeine sensitivity can enjoy Swiss Water coffee. Non-organic methods are regulated by bodies such as the FDA, but the beans will still contain trace amounts of harsh chemicals, which some people would prefer to avoid.
Swiss Water and Revolver
At Revolver, we provide one variety of decaffeinated coffee, coming in the form of Nespresso coffee pods, ground coffee, and coffee bags. All of our Swiss Water Coffee is from Coffee farms located in Peru’s Andes. The high altitudes and cooler temperatures are perfect for flavourful coffee, giving it a slower maturing time. The longer the beans take to grow, the more complex and deep the flavours will become. The Peruvian farms are also situated on fertile volcanic soil, the perfect conditions for producing speciality arabica coffee.
Revolver works with smallholder farmers and cooperatives to produce high-quality Fairtrade beans while making sure the farmers are fairly supported and paid throughout the process. Our Peruvian beans are shipped to Vancouver for their decaffeination process. It’s the Peruvian landscape that gives our decaf coffee its rich, chocolatey flavour with a nutty peanut aftertaste.
September is Organic Month, a time to celebrate the benefits of organic practices on our bodies and the environment. If you want to explore more about organic coffee, you can read our “why organic?” blog here.
Further resources:
https://www.swisswater.com/blogs/sw/top-4-questions-about-decaf-coffee-and-your-health
https://www.swisswater.com/blogs/sw/5-myths-about-decaf-busted
https://www.swisswater.com/blogs/sw/what-do-our-certifications-mean