Process for decaffeinating raw coffee

US5208056A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Chocolat Suchard Societe Anonyme · CH

Inventors

• Arthur Fischer · Pfalzgrafenweiler, DE
• Peter Kummer · Neuhausen, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 2, 1990
• Grant date: May 4, 1993
• Expiry date: Jan 2, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A23F5/208
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Caffeine is extracted from the raw coffee by means of an aqueous liquid and adsorbed from the latter on an adsorption agent such as activated charcoal. In order for the adsorption agent to absorb as little as possible of other substances that are extractable from the coffee, the agent is previously loaded with such other extractable substances or with substitute substances having a molecular structure and size similar to the latter, more particularly with carbohydrates as exemplified by cane sugar. The aqueous extractant is preferably a caffeine-free coffee extract solution which substantially extracts only caffeine from the coffee. Other aqueous liquids may be employed, but generally require recombination with the coffee after the adsorption step.