How to decaf your own coffee

Melanie, my hanai sister, and I were having coffee this morning on her farm. She's just back from the SCAA conference in Charlotte and had gossip and exotic coffees to share (cupping notes tomorrow!)

The subject of decaf came up at the table because one of her apprentice workers can't tolerate caffeine. And as we all know, it is really hard to get a good decaf coffee. The decaf process removes oils and flavors as well as the caffeine, leaving a blah cup behind.

But what's a farmgirl to do, late on a cold Hawaiian night? Drink tea? I think not. So, this is what Melanie's naturopath told her to do...

Using a press pot, pour just enough hot water to cover the grounds. Let sit briefly. Press the grounds and pour off the water. As caffeine is highly soluble in water, this first expressing should pull off most of it. Then add more water to the pot, and express as usual. Voila! A decaffeinated coffee.

The best part is you can use the coffee of your choice. Me, I'll stick with the 100% Kona.