Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) decaffeination

Also MC decaf, European process, KVW process, direct solvent

Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, is the classic decaffeination solvent used since the mid-twentieth century in direct and indirect (water-extract) variants. It is efficient and inexpensive and the solvent is almost entirely removed by steaming and roasting, but its toxicity profile has made it the method most criticised in the literature and the market, and it drives demand for CO2, water and ethyl acetate alternatives.

Fermentation
not applicable
Drying
not published
Water use
Medium
Origins listing it
0

Step by step

Compare every method
  1. 01Steam green beans
  2. 02Wash with methylene chloride directly, or decaffeinate a water extract with the solvent and return the extract to the beans (indirect method)
  3. 03Steam to remove solvent
  4. 04Dry

Cup tendencies

widely regarded as flavour-neutral; the industry default for commodity decaf

Risk

Residual solvent limits (very low ppm) are regulated; the solvent is a volatile chlorinated compound with health concerns

Where it is used

Common in, per the method's sources

GermanyUnited StatesMexico

Origins and regions that list it

No origin record lists it yet.

Other decaffeination methods