WATER PROCESS

We use WP to mean Water Process, a non-chemical decaffeination method. This is an “indirect” decaffeination method. Beans are soaked in near boiling water, extracting the flavor oils and caffeine from the coffee. The water is separated into a tank where it is forced through charcoal filters and generally stirred around in hot water to remove the caffeine. The beans are then reintroduced to the swill, absorbing their flavour. Since no chemicals are used, there’s nothing to worry about but higher prices and duller coffee. We have had trouble in the past with the cup quality of SWP coffees; bright, lively coffees especially can end up cupping quite flat.