How are Decaf beans processed?
Initially they are processed the same as all beans in either the wet or dry method. Then they are made decaffeinated by one of four similar methods. These involve combining the beans with another compound which absorbs the caffeine, usually by soaking the beans with this compound. The compound is extracted along with the caffeine that bonded to it; the beans are washed and then roasted normally. The excess caffeine is then sent to Coca Cola to be added to soft drinks (among other uses). Coffee beans labeled Decaf will still contain as much as 2.5% caffeine, so they can best be described as over 97% caffeine free.
