The path to consumers of naturally decaffeinated coffee variety AC1

AC1 coffee is a variant of Arabica found in Ethiopia. They were discovered by researchers from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and then brought to research institutes around the world (including the Center for Higher Education and Research in Tropical Agriculture ( CATIE) in Costa Rica). Around 1973, this variety was planted at Fazenda Santa Elisa in Campinas, Brazil thanks to Dr. Alcides Carvalho. About 26 years later, IAC researcher Maria Bernadette Silvarolla tested and discovered that AC1 is one of the arabica varieties with naturally low caffeine content. It only contains about 0.76 mg of caffeine per gram of coffee, while Arabica contains an average of 8 to 12 mg/g.

Additionally, one study compared the biochemical properties of AC1 with Mundo Novo (a low-caffeine variety). The results showed that the contents of amino acids, organic acids, chlorogenic acid, soluble sugars and trigonelline were similar when ripe. But AC1 coffee beans accumulate almost completely zero theobromine and caffeine. Tests of adenine supply and enzymatic analysis of theobromine synthase and caffeine synthase in the endosperm of AC1 confirmed that the caffeine synthesis of AC1 coffee is blocked during the methylation of theobromine to caffeine. The flavor quality of coffee from AC1 is similar to that of Mundo Novo but has a much lower amount of caffeine. Additionally, Dr. Julio Mistro leading the research project on Fazenda Santa Elisa said AC1 is sensitive to higher temperatures and dry conditions but is resistant to coffee leaf rust to a certain extent. medium. These led the researchers to conclude that the AC1 variety has the potential to appear in the global coffee market.

In recent years, the market for specialty coffee with low caffeine content has been growing very steadily. On the tasting tables and high-end coffee auctions there are also low-caffeine coffees such as Laurina and Brazilian Aramosa. So does AC1 coffee have similar development potential?

Scientists at IAC do not recommend commercial production of the AC1 coffee variety. Because AC1 needs to be treated differently than other varieties in Brazil. Low caffeine levels make plants weaker and require effort in cultivation including more fertilization and irrigation, as well as more intensive weed, pest and disease control methods. Furthermore, even when all these measures are applied, farmers need to spend more on production costs. Coffee output will still be low, with high risk because the AC1 characteristic gives relatively low yield (according to Dr. Julio Mistro). So, to get AC1 naturally printed decaffeted coffee beans to consumers, scientists need to conduct more complex studies to better understand how to scale up AC1 production in a sustainable way.

Given the challenges associated with growing AC1 varieties, scientists have conducted experiments to exploit its potential in the future.

Dr. Julio Mistro said, IAC cross-pollinated AC1 with other high-quality Brazilian Arabica coffee varieties, such as Catuai, Mundo Novo, Obata and Ouro Verde. They then developed new cultivars that not only had high yield potential but also had caffeine content ranging from 0.03% to 0.10%.

In addition, IAC researchers are conducting regional trials to select the varieties with the best commercial production potential. The testing process will likely take about six or seven years to determine the success of these trials. In June 2023, IAC reported that it was growing several low-caffeine varieties on farms across Brazil. The results obtained are quite positive. However, some types still have low yields, are susceptible to pests and require a lot of investment in the farming process.

Naturally decaffeinated coffee is indeed very attractive to roasters and consumers who love the experience. However, for manufacturers to develop naturally low-caffeine varieties as sustainably as possible, a lot of effort and support from all parties is needed. And this journey takes a long time to develop and expand. Nowadays, if you want to experience specialty coffee without worrying about the caffeine content in the beans, visit XLIII Coffee. XLIII Coffee provides decaf specialty coffee beans from the innovative Swiss Water Decaf reduction process that achieves 99% caffeine purity while still ensuring the unique flavors are intact. You can enjoy the changes in each note of the original taste of coffee without worrying about insomnia or allergies caused by caffeine.

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1. What is AC1 coffee?

AC1 is a naturally decaffeinated Arabica coffee variety found in Ethiopia with very low caffeine content, about 0.76 mg per gram.

2. How was AC1 discovered?

It was identified in Brazil in 1999 by IAC researchers after being planted at Fazenda Santa Elisa in 1973.

3. What challenges exist in growing AC1 coffee?

AC1 plants are weaker due to low caffeine, requiring more fertilization, irrigation, and pest control, leading to higher production costs.

4. What efforts are being made to improve AC1 production?

Scientists are cross-breeding AC1 with other varieties like Catuai and Mundo Novo to develop new cultivars with low caffeine and higher yields.

5. Why is naturally decaffeinated coffee attractive to consumers?

It offers a coffee experience without caffeine, making it ideal for those who are sensitive to caffeine or wish to avoid its effects.