Ethiopia
SWD Natural Sidama
Oromia, Sama
Hint of fruit, Apple | Sweet
SWD · In Stock
Processing
Decaf
Coffee with 97%+ caffeine removed through various processes. Modern decaf retains origin character and flavor complexity. Specialty decaf is real--if you source it right.
Definition
What decaf means
Decaf coffee has had at least 97% of its caffeine removed (FDA standard). Caffeine is extracted from green coffee before roasting using water, solvents, or CO2 as the extraction medium.
The best decaffeination methods minimize flavor loss. Swiss Water Process uses only water and is popular for specialty coffees. The key is starting with quality green--decaf can't create flavors that weren't there.
Decaf methods
Swiss Water
Chemical-free, water only
Mountain Water
Similar, Mexico-based
CO2 / Supercritical
Selective, preserves flavor
Ethyl Acetate (EA)
Sugarcane-derived
Caffeine removed
97%+ (FDA standard)
Why Roasters Care
Decaf market realities
Growing demand
Decaf is 10-15% of specialty sales and growing. Health-conscious consumers want quality options, not afterthoughts.
Quality is possible
Modern decaf retains origin character. Swiss Water and CO2 processes preserve complexity. Bad decaf is sourcing, not process.
Customer loyalty
Decaf customers are often the most loyal. Serve them well and they'll return. Give them stale commodity and they'll leave.
Process matters
Some customers specifically want chemical-free. Swiss Water lets you market "water process only" for premium positioning.
Roast differently
Decaf is more porous and roasts faster. Lighter charge temps, gentler profiles. Treat it like a distinct product.
Freshness critical
Decaf ages faster than regular coffee. Source from importers with good turnover. Stale decaf is the category's biggest problem.
Our Approach
How we source decaf
Quality green first
We send specialty-grade Ethiopian coffees for decaffeination. Start with quality, keep quality.
Swiss Water Process
We prefer SWP for Ethiopian decafs. Chemical-free, flavor-preserving, and easy to market.
Fresh inventory
We don't hold decaf for years. Fresh process dates, climate-controlled storage, regular turnover.
Cupped after process
We cup decaf on arrival. The process can go wrong. We verify quality before offering it.
Deep Dive
Decaf Green Coffee: Swiss Water & Beyond
How Swiss Water and other decaf methods work, what to look for on a spec sheet, and why Keffa's decaf lots cup above 84 points.
Related Terms
More Processing
Natural Process
Dried in cherry. Fruit-forward flavors, higher body.
Washed Process
Pulped and fermented before drying. Clean, bright, terroir-forward.
Wet Hulled
Indonesian method. Earthy, full body, low acidity.
Swiss Water Process
Chemical-free decaf using water and carbon filters.
Fermentation
Microbial breakdown of mucilage. Key to flavor development.
Raised Beds
Elevated drying surfaces for airflow. Better quality control.
Looking for quality decaf?
Request samples and taste what specialty decaf can be.