Thank you for your continued support! This is Gokujo Mold-Free Coffee.

Today, we'll explain something even coffee lovers might not know: "why decaffeinated (decaf) green beans often have broken beans," and discuss their quality and flavor.

3 Reasons Why Decaffeinated Green Beans Have "Broken Beans"

If you examine decaffeinated green beans, you might notice more cracked or chipped beans compared to regular green coffee beans.

It's often mistakenly thought that this indicates the use of low-quality beans, but that's not the case at all. It's a very natural phenomenon that occurs precisely because of the safe, chemical-free decaffeination process (such as the Swiss Water Process).

1. Changes in texture due to water absorption and re-drying

When caffeine is extracted using water, the green beans absorb a large amount of water and expand significantly. Afterward, they are carefully dried to return them to the proper moisture content. During this expansion and contraction process, the edges of the beans can easily chip.

2. Changes in density due to caffeine extraction

As the caffeine component cleanly dissolves from within the beans, the overall structure of the bean changes. This makes them more delicate and prone to breaking or chipping with even slight impact, compared to regular green beans.

3. Natural contact during the processing stages

As the softened green beans pass through the factory's dryers and pipelines, they gently rub against each other. This contact can cause their corners to become rounded or chipped.

Scientific Reason Why Broken Beans Are Still High Quality and Delicious

Some might worry that "if there are broken beans, the taste and quality might decline." However, the conclusion is that even broken beans have no quality issues and can be enjoyed with their original deliciousness intact.

Quality and Extraction Characteristics of Decaffeinated Beans The physical defects that occur in green beans subjected to water extraction are a physical change accompanying the removal of components, and do not degrade the quality of the bean's inherent polyphenols or flavor components. Stable flavor and clean extraction are possible with appropriate heat control. (From International Coffee Organization (ICO) Quality Control Guidelines document)

Because decaffeinated beans receive heat more evenly, skilled roasters can bring out their rich aroma and the bean's inherent sweetness to the fullest by roasting them at the appropriate temperature.

Toward a "Clearer Experience" with Thorough Hand-Picking

While broken beans are still delicious, our commitment doesn't stop there.

To deliver an even clearer, cleaner taste, we perform "two thorough hand-picking sessions" by skilled artisans, both before and after roasting.

By carefully hand-picking and removing extremely fine fragments and defective beans that pose a risk of mold, we prevent uneven roasting and pursue a transparent deliciousness the moment it's poured into your cup.

In addition to certified government agency data confirming "no detection of mold toxins," this careful process results in a cup that is incredibly clear and deeply rich, defying its decaffeinated nature.

Summary: A Cup That's Gentle on Your Body and Deeply Satisfying

Our commitment goes beyond just "peace of mind because it's caffeine-free" to the safety of the process and the thoroughness of selection.

By understanding that broken beans are evidence of a safe manufacturing method, you can enjoy your daily coffee time with even greater peace of mind.

Enjoy a luxurious moment of physical and mental relaxation with our clean decaffeinated coffee, thoroughly free from unnecessary risks and impurities, after work or before bed.

References and Information

• International Coffee Organization (ICO) "Guidelines for the Prevention of Mould Formation in Coffee Trade"

• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) "Scientific Opinion on Mycotoxins in Food and Chronic Exposure Risks"

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) "Imported Food Inspection System by Registered Inspection Organizations" (Public quarantine and component analysis standard materials for imports)