The Sugarcane Method: A Natural Way to Decaffeinate Coffee

Decaf coffee has come a long way.

Once associated with flat flavour and harsh chemical processing, modern decaf, when done properly can be just as enjoyable as its caffeinated counterpart.

At Cruise Coffee, we use the Sugarcane Method (also known as natural ethyl acetate decaffeination) a gentle, plant-derived process that removes caffeine while preserving flavour, balance, and origin character.

Here’s how it works, and why it matters.

What Is the Sugarcane Method?

The Sugarcane Method is a naturally derived decaffeination process that uses ethyl acetate, a compound found naturally in fruits and sugarcane, to remove caffeine from green (unroasted) coffee beans.

Unlike older solvent-based methods, the ethyl acetate used here is:

• Derived from fermented sugarcane

• Naturally occurring (not synthetic)

• Commonly found in fruits like apples and bananas

  
  

Because of this, the Sugarcane Method is often referred to as “natural decaf”.

How the Sugarcane Method Works (Step by Step)

1. Steaming the green coffee beans

Green coffee beans are gently steamed to open their pores and prepare them for decaffeination.

2. Natural ethyl acetate is applied

The beans are rinsed with ethyl acetate derived from sugarcane. This compound selectively bonds with caffeine molecules.

3. Caffeine is removed

Once bonded, the caffeine is extracted from the beans while most flavour compounds remain intact.

4. Beans are steamed again

A final steaming removes any remaining traces of ethyl acetate.

5. Beans are dried and rested

The beans are dried back to their original moisture level, ready for roasting.

The result: up to 99% of caffeine removed, with flavour and structure preserved.

Why the Sugarcane Method Is Popular in Specialty Coffee

The Sugarcane Method is especially common in Colombian decaf coffees, where sugarcane is abundant and processing happens close to origin.

Key benefits include:

• ✅ Naturally derived from plants

• ✅ No harsh industrial solvents

• ✅ Smooth, rounded flavour profile

• ✅ Retains sweetness and body

  
  

Because the process happens near origin, beans spend less time in transit, helping preserve freshness and quality.

Does Sugarcane Decaf Taste Good?

When roasted well: absolutely.

The Sugarcane Method is known for producing decaf coffee that is:

• Slightly sweeter

• Lower in sharp acidity

• Smooth and chocolatey

• Well balanced

This makes it ideal for people who want:

• A gentle, easy-drinking cup

• A decaf that works black and with milk

• Coffee without bitterness or harshness

Is Sugarcane Decaf Safe?

Yes.

Ethyl acetate is:

• Naturally occurring

• Widely used in food processing

• Fully removed during the decaffeination process

By the time the coffee is roasted, no ethyl acetate remains - only flavour.

For people reducing caffeine for:

• Sleep quality

• Anxiety management

• Hormonal balance

• Training or recovery

• Pregnancy

Sugarcane decaf offers a clean, considered alternative to standard supermarket decaf.

Why We Use the Sugarcane Method at Cruise Coffee

Cruise Coffee exists to help people enjoy coffee with intention.

We chose the Sugarcane Method because it:

• Aligns with our health-first mindset

• Preserves flavour and balance

• Works beautifully with our roast style

• Keeps the ritual of coffee without the caffeine hit

Decaf isn’t an afterthought for us. It’s the whole point.

Final Thoughts: Decaf Without Compromise

Decaf coffee doesn’t need to be lifeless, bitter, or over-processed.

When done properly, using natural methods and thoughtful roasting - it can be smooth, satisfying, and genuinely enjoyable.

The Sugarcane Method helps us deliver exactly that.

Decaf, done right.