Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate is a naturally occurring ester found in many fruits and vegetables. In the coffee industry, it plays a key role in the decaffeination process, helping to produce decaf coffee while preserving much of the bean’s original flavor.
The process involves soaking green coffee beans in a solution of water and Ethyl Acetate. This compound binds to caffeine molecules, allowing them to be effectively extracted from the beans. Afterward, the beans undergo steam treatment to remove any remaining traces of the solvent.
Although Ethyl Acetate is used in decaffeination, it is present in only minimal amounts and is completely eliminated during processing. This ensures that the method is safe for consumers and helps maintain the coffee’s natural characteristics.