What is the Sugarcane Method of Decaffeination for Decaf Coffee?

What is the Sugarcane Method?

If you’re a fan of decaf coffee but still want the richness and full flavour of caffeinated coffee beans - the sugarcane method is for you! Here, we’ll take a look at how this natural decaf method works, why it’s a popular choice for decaf coffee lovers, and what makes sugarcane decaf coffee unique.

Why Choose Sugarcane Decaf Coffee?

The sugarcane method—sometimes called “natural decaf” or “sugarcane EA decaf”—uses ethyl acetate (EA) - a natural compound from fermented sugarcane - to decaffeinate coffee beans without the harsh chemicals used in some other methods. This process is popular in Colombia, where sugarcane and coffee beans are both abundant, making it an eco-friendly and efficient way to produce high-quality decaf coffee that retains much of its natural sweetness and flavour.

The Sugarcane Decaf Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a breakdown of how the sugarcane decaffeination process works to create some of the most flavoursome decaf coffee beans you’ll ever try.

The decaffeination process begins when the coffee beans arrive in their raw, unroasted state.

2) Steaming the Beans

The beans are gently steamed at low pressure for about 30 minutes. This step opens up the beans’ pores, making it easier for the caffeine to be removed.

3) EA Solution Soak

The beans are then submerged in a solution of ethyl acetate. EA bonds with the caffeine molecules in the beans and helps remove the caffeine while preserving the coffee’s natural flavour compounds.

4) Solution Replacement

To ensure the beans are fully decaffeinated, the solution is drained and replaced multiple times until caffeine levels reach the desired level.

5) Final Steam Clean

Once the decaffeination process is complete, the beans are steamed again to remove any remaining traces of ethyl acetate.

6) Drying and Polishing

The decaf coffee beans are then dried, polished, and ready for roasting.

What Makes Sugarcane Decaf Unique?

One of the key benefits of sugarcane decaffeination is that it helps preserve the natural flavours in the coffee beans. Because this method uses ethyl acetate—a compound naturally found in fruits, wine, and other foods—the flavour profile of the coffee remains close to that of regular coffee beans, with no added chemicals. Plus, the gentle process means that the beans don’t lose their structure or unique characteristics. Many coffee lovers notice that decaf coffee beans produced with this method have a touch of natural sweetness, making sugarcane decaf coffee particularly tasty.

Benefits of Sugarcane Decaf Coffee Beans

• Natural and Chemical-Free

Unlike some other decaf processes, the sugarcane method is free from synthetic chemicals, which means the coffee remains as natural as possible.

• Rich Flavour Preservation

Sugarcane decaf coffee retains a fuller flavour, as the ethyl acetate gently removes caffeine without altering the natural taste of the beans.

• Eco-Friendly Decaf Process

Using locally-sourced sugarcane, this decaf coffee process supports sustainable agriculture and reduces the environmental footprint of coffee production.

Enjoying Sugarcane Decaf Coffee at Home

The sugarcane method of decaffeination is a natural process that gives decaf coffee an extra bit of sweetness. Perfect for those looking to enjoy specialty decaf coffee without sacrificing taste, sugarcane decaf coffee works well in any brewing method, whether it’s an espresso machine, cafetiere, or pour-over.

Check Out Our Decaf Selection

If you're looking for some sweet sugarcane decaf you've come to the right place - check out our selection of sugarcane decaffeinated coffee beans.