Description
Totally delicious and unique single farm decaf, processed at origin. We taste notes of berries and peaches with a rich caramel sweetness.
CULTIVAR: Caturra
PREPARATION: Washed, Ethyl Acetate Decaffeinated
LOCATION: El Vergel, Piedra Grande, Tolima
ALTITUDE: 1,500 masl
After seeing that most of the coffee used in Colombia to produce decaf was low quality, El Vergel saw an opportunity to produce something which would really shine. Using only coffees from their own farm means that quality comes first and has allowed them to create a decaffeinated product that despite the process, maintains its character and sweetness in the cup.
The coffee is processed at the Descafecol plant in Manizales. The decaffeination process at this plant uses ethyl acetate derived 100% from sugar cane mixed with mountain water, together removing 99.7% of the caffeine present. When the coffee is received, it is first conditioned using water and steam. This elevates the moisture content and swells the seeds to facilitate the extraction of caffeine. At this point, the coffee is washed in ethyl acetate which dissolves the caffeine. The beans are then cleaned with water, followed by steam, and finally, are dried until they reach a stable moisture content. This method avoids excessive heat or pressure, which can radically disrupt a green bean’s cellular structure.
Unlike the majority of decafs, this lot was specifically selected and decaffeinated at origin, stimulating the local economy and lowering the carbon footprint.
