PLOT ROASTING, DECAF CONDOR E.A.

Characteristics

Farm:El Vergel,

Producer:Shady and Elias Bayter

Region:Piedra Grande, Tolima, Colombia

Altitude:1,500 masl

Variety:Caturra

Processing:Washed,E.A. Decaffeinated

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This is something of a rarity! A single variety and single farm decaf. We buy coffees decaffeinated at origin, leaving more of the value in the producing country and minimising carbon footprint. 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.