CO2 process (decaffeination)
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German: CO2-Verfahren (Entkoffeinierung) Also known as: CO2-Verfahren, Kohlendioxid-Verfahren, Überkritisches CO2
A decaffeination process in which supercritical carbon dioxide under high pressure dissolves the caffeine from green coffee.
In the CO2 process the moistened green beans are placed in a pressure vessel and carbon dioxide, brought into a supercritical state under high pressure, flows through them. It then behaves much like a solvent and takes up caffeine fairly selectively. The caffeine is subsequently separated and the CO2 reused.
The process is considered gentle on aroma compounds and leaves no solvent residues. Because the equipment is elaborate, it is suited mainly to large quantities.
Related terms
DecaffeinationSolvent process (decaffeination)Green coffeeWater process (decaffeination)
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