They remove caffeine from coffee by stripping green, unroasted coffee beans of their caffeine content using methods that exploit caffeine's water solubility. According to the available information, three main methods exist:
- Chemical Solvents: This involves using chemical solvents to dissolve and extract the caffeine.
- Liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Here, liquid CO₂ is used as a solvent to selectively remove the caffeine.
- Plain Water with Special Filters: This method relies on water to extract the caffeine, followed by the use of special filters to separate the caffeine from the water.
Here's a table summarizing the methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Solvents | Uses solvents to dissolve and extract caffeine. |
| Liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | Employs liquid CO₂ as a solvent to selectively remove caffeine. |
| Water with Special Filters | Uses water to extract caffeine, then special filters to separate the caffeine. |
