Sugarcane decaf, also called EA decaf, is coffee that has had most of its caffeine removed with ethyl acetate before roasting. The process is especially common with Colombian coffees and is known for producing decaf that can still taste sweet, balanced and recognizably like coffee.
What is sugarcane decaf?
EA stands for ethyl acetate, a compound that occurs naturally in fruits and fermented foods and can also be produced from sugar-industry byproducts. The process is often called “sugarcane decaf” because the ethyl acetate used for coffee decaffeination can be derived from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production.
The name describes the decaffeination method, not a sugary flavoring added to the coffee. The beans are decaffeinated while they are still green, before roasting.
How does the EA decaf process work?
The exact process varies by decaffeination facility, but the basic idea is straightforward:
- The green coffee is moistened or steamed so the beans are ready for caffeine extraction.
- Ethyl acetate is circulated through the coffee and helps remove caffeine from the beans.
- The coffee is steamed again to remove residual ethyl acetate.
- The beans are dried back to the proper moisture level, then packed and shipped to the roaster.
After decaffeination, the green coffee is shipped to roasters and roasted for brewing just like other green coffee.
Why do coffee roasters like sugarcane decaf?
There is no single decaffeination method that is automatically “best,” but EA-processed coffees can produce the kind of sweetness and balance we want in an everyday decaf. For us, the point is simple: decaf should still taste like a coffee you would choose because it tastes good, not just because it has less caffeine.
Is ethyl acetate used legally in coffee decaffeination?
Yes. In the United States, FDA regulations permit ethyl acetate as a solvent in the decaffeination of coffee and tea when used according to current good manufacturing practice. The coffee is also steamed after caffeine extraction to remove residual ethyl acetate before it is dried and exported.
What does Common Friends’ Tumbaga Sugarcane Decaf taste like?
Our Tumbaga Sugarcane Decaf is a Colombian dark roast with a chocolatey, sweet and balanced profile. It is designed to be an easy everyday decaf and works well as drip coffee, French press, espresso or iced coffee.
If you want full coffee flavor without making caffeine the main event, shop Tumbaga Sugarcane Decaf.