Traditional Process

Traditional Process: A group of conventional decaffeination methods that utilize chemical solvents to remove caffeine from green coffee beans. The direct solvent method involves treating softened green beans directly with a solvent that selectively bonds with caffeine before being steamed away. The indirect solvent (or European) method involves soaking the green beans in hot water to extract soluble solids and caffeine, separating the caffeine from the water using a solvent, and then reintroducing the decaffeinated water extract back to the beans before drying.