Decaffeinated with methylene chloride

Methylene chloride, or dichloromethane, is a very effective solvent to extract caffeine. That's why it's the cheapest method and one of the most used in commercial decaf coffee.

The process, in broad features: the green grain is wet, in contact with the solvent, which drags caffeine, and then is treated to remove the remains. The solvent is easily evaporated, and the subsequent toasting, at very high temperatures, helps not to remain.

• It's legal with strict residue limits.
• In the United States there is an open regulatory debate about its use.
• In the European Union, decaffeinated roasted coffee should be around 0,1% of caffeine or less.

In the cup it can be something flat, with less aroma and acidity than the original. That's why specialty toasters usually prefer other methods, such as Swiss Water, CO, or ethyl acetate.

If you care how your coffee has decaf, look at the label or ask the toaster. A lot of marks indicate it.