EA / sugarcane decaf
also: ethyl acetate decaf, sugarcane process, natural decaf
Decaffeination with ethyl acetate, often derived from sugarcane, known for a sweet, smooth cup.
EA process uses ethyl acetate (EA) as the solvent that bonds to and removes caffeine. Ethyl acetate occurs naturally in fruit and can be produced from fermented sugarcane, which is why this method is often marketed as “sugarcane process” or “natural” decaf, especially on coffees from Colombia where it is common.
In practice, green-coffee is steamed to open the beans, then washed repeatedly with water and ethyl acetate. The EA selectively binds caffeine and carries it away; the beans are then steamed again to drive off residual solvent before drying. It typically removes about 97% or more of the caffeine.
Drinkers and roasters often describe EA decaf as sweeter and rounder than other methods, with a smooth body that holds up well. Whether the EA is truly cane-derived varies by supplier, and the “natural” label refers to the solvent’s origin, not an organic certification. For how this compares to water-based options, see swiss-water and decaf-processes, or start with the basics at decaf.