Decaf is a Personal Choice!

There is no debate on the important role that coffee means for many people. It is a habit and a participant or witness to many activities. For instance, what do most of us crave when we get out of bed…coffee! Coffee also shows up in the carpool, and for sure in the office coffee break – that’s why it is called a coffee break! We beat a path to the kitchen for our first cup of the day, or for many it is purchased on the way to work at our favourite coffee shop, drive-thru, café or quick-service-restaurant. And it has evolved over the years – no longer called java but premium or specialty coffee.

Coffee can be Special.

While we have grown up with coffee, we have also grown in knowing more about this popular drink. We understand the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. We seek out single origins that intrigue us, or once we have tasted come to see as our own special choice. Single origins, like Colombia, or Ethiopia, or Papa New Guinea. We have learned about Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance and shade-grown coffee to name but a few of the certifications available.

And while brewed coffee is the standard for many this is no one trick pony! Espresso and espresso based coffees – like lattes or cappuccinos. Or iced coffees, particularly now that summer has finally arrived! Coffee is part of who we are, and what we do. Simple as that!

Now some argue that it is the caffeine that we seek and coffee is the delivery system. Maybe so. Who cares? Well, that gets me to decaf. Sometimes things just happen. We find out that caffeine can affect us in a negative way. Due to amount, an allergic reaction, or a health condition that is aggravated when our central nervous system is pumped up with caffeine. Too much of a good thing can be bad? Like, yes, after five coffees I run faster, talk faster, and shake along the way.

And then, there are people and I am one of them – that drink regular to start their day, but need to avoid caffeine later in the day in order to get a good night’s sleep. And that’s where decaf comes along. When you truly love the taste of coffee; however must cut back on the caffeine intake. The alternative – decaf – which can and should be great tasting.

Now, not all decaf coffees are the same. Just like not all coffees are the same. No one that loves coffee would argue that! That would be as frivolous as saying all wines, or beer, or pop tastes the same. It just doesn’t. Thank heavens. And true, sometimes the decaf is a weak imitation. This however, shouldn’t give all decaf a bad name.

One needs to be selective. One needs to search out those coffee shops, or brands, that care enough about coffee – all coffee – to serve great quality. And that includes the method used to remove the caffeine from the coffee.

SWISS WATER® Process decaffeinates coffee in an environmentally responsible way, ensuring the taste of the original beans are maintained. That’s just good for everyone. Of course, you wouldn’t be reading this blog post if you weren’t aware of that. So…check out our Locator to find those brands, and retail outlets that choose to give you very special coffee!

And tell your friends too. Decaf is a personal choice!

Category: Coffee Drinker

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