Water process (decaffeination)
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German: Wasserverfahren (Entkoffeinierung) Also known as: Swiss Water, Swiss Water Process, Wasser-Entkoffeinierung
A decaffeination process without chemical solvents in which caffeine is dissolved from green coffee with water and removed using activated carbon.
Green coffee is soaked in hot water, which dissolves flavour compounds as well as caffeine. The water is passed through activated carbon filters that retain the caffeine. Further beans are then treated with this extract, already saturated with flavour compounds, so that mainly caffeine is drawn out and less aroma is lost.
The principle is known under names such as Swiss Water. It works without added solvents and is often used for organic coffee, but it is comparatively complex.
Related terms
Organic labelling (EU organic logo)CO2 process (decaffeination)DecaffeinationSolvent process (decaffeination)
