Organic Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee Profile
Just as the mighty Aspen tree soaks up sunlight even after its leaves have dropped, we can revel in a delicious cup of organic coffee even without caffeine! To wit, our Organic Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee, which is decaffeinated without any synthetic chemicals by our friends at Swiss Water® here in BC.
Gone are the days of undesirable decaf — the buttery notes of caramel and sweet milk chocolate in this organic blend impress even the most discerning coffee-drinkers. And while the trembling aspen tree gets its name from how its leaves quake in the wind, our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf isn’t likely to give you the jitters!
It will, however, help protect forests in Canada where the trembling aspen grows, and improve the lives of the talented people behind each bag. In our experience, the coffee-drinking experience is magnified by leaps and bounds when we understand where it comes and how it got here — so in this article, we’ll explore in depth the many things that make our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee so special: where it’s grown, how it’s processed, what it tastes like, and its impact on people and planet.
Here's what we’ll cover in this article:
What does the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee taste like?
Organic Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee attributes at a glance
Origins: Where does the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee come from?
Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee processing methods
How does the Swiss Water® Process remove the caffeine from the Trembling Aspen Decaf Coffee?
How is the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee roasted?
Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee certifications
How does the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee protect nature?
What’s the best way to brew our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee?
FAQs about the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee
What does the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee taste like?
Caffeine-free does not mean flavour-free! Thanks to the chemical-free Swiss Water® Process method (which we’ll explain a little further on), the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee retains all its delicious flavour compounds even as the caffeine is removed. The result is a smooth, sweet cup with notes of caramel and milk chocolate, balanced by light floral overtones. Its low acidity and silky body make it ideal for both drip and espresso — and of course, without the caffeine, it’s perfect for any time of day.
Take it with you on your next candle-lit snowshoe (with or without the Baileys), serve it next to the dessert bar at that wedding you’re planning, or simply drink it with one of the chocolate chip cookies you baked for your kids after school, when the late-afternoon coffee cravings hit. With its sweet flavours and smooth mouthfeel, this is a coffee that pairs well with treats!
Organic Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee attributes at a glance
Certifications: OCIA Certified Organic, Direct Trade, Carbon Neutral
Growing Regions: Cajamarca, Peru | Aceh, Sumatra | Limmu, Ethiopia
Process: fully washed | wet-hulled | raised beds
Altitude: 1500-2200 MASL
Roast Level: medium roast
Origins: Where does the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee come from?
Here at Farm & Forest Coffee, we source all our coffees directly from our producing partners in the world’s finest growing regions, where their organic farming practices enhance the well-being of both their communities and the local ecosystem. The Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee is a blend of specialty-grade (rated 80 or above on a 100-point scale) certified organic coffees from Peru, Sumatra, and Ethiopia.
Coffee Beans from Peru
Amid its lush climatic and geographical conditions, the high-altitude farms of Peru produce coffees with exceptional depth and complexity, due to the slower maturation process that lengthen sugar development. This is especially noticeable on organic farms, where the biodiversity that flourishes without hindrance by synthetic pesticides contributes to the distinct and vibrant taste profiles of the coffee and other crops nearby. That’s why specialty coffee enthusiasts are so drawn to organic Peruvian coffee and its pleasant acidity, smooth body, and well-balanced flavour.
Coffee Beans from Sumatra
The volcanic soils and verdant climate of Sumatra make the Indonesian island an ideal coffee-growing region. The country is known for its traditional wet-hulling process, or Giling Basah (more on wet-hulling below) which contributes to the full-bodied, distinctive flavour profile of the coffee. The uniquely earthy, spicy, and herbaceous notes are especially pronounced in coffees that have been farmed organically, as the producers opt for natural and more traditional practices over the use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides. The result is an environmentally sustainable and highly sought-after coffee with nuance and complexity.
Coffee Beans from Ethiopia
Widely considered to be the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia has a rich history of coffee cultivation. The marriage of ancient tradition and biodynamic farming embraced by organic coffee farmers make the region a favourite among coffee connoisseurs. Free from chemical pesticides and cultivated in harmony with the seasons, the coffee plants grow synergistically with the local ecosystem, preserving the soil’s fertility and maintaining ecological balance. The beans we receive from these farms give our blends a splash of brightness and fruity acidity that makes each cup taste like more.
Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee processing methods
The delicious flavour and texture of our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee come from not only its natural terroir, but also meticulous post-harvest processing. This essential stage in the bean-to-cup journey can significantly impact the overall quality of the final result. That’s why we are so selective of our producing partners at origin, who handle these processes with utmost care. Let’s take a brief look at each of them:
Fully Washed
The first step of the fully washed process is to remove the outer flesh of the coffee cherry (known as the mucilage or pulp) from the coffee seed (or bean) inside. Next, those seeds are fermented for 24-48 hours to allow microorganisms to break down any remaining pulp. Then they are washed thoroughly in water and dried under the sun or in mechanical dryers before they are stored and prepared for export. The fully washed process creates a flavour profile that is clean and authentic to the natural terroir.
Wet-Hulled
In the wet-hulled method, the coffee beans are dried only partially once the outer skin is removed. The moisture content of the beans at the end of that stage is about 30%. At that point, the parchment layer that encases the beans is removed (or wet-hulled) and the beans are dried further, until the moisture content is around 11-12%. This creates a full-bodied, earthy flavour profile with low acidity.
Raised Beds
Our producing partners in Ethiopia use raised beds, also known as African drying beds, as a cost-effective way to improve coffee quality and enhance its flavour. After the cherries are harvested, the pulp is removed and the seeds are laid out to dry on elevated surfaces, usually made of mesh or wooden slats. One advantage to this method is that the beds promote air circulation, allowing the beans to dry evenly without encouraging the growth of mold. Raised beds also permit producers greater control over the drying process, making it easier to prevent over-drying and achieve a consistent taste profile.
How does the Swiss Water® Process remove the caffeine from the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee?
Our friends at Swiss Water® have a global reputation for producing delicious decaffeinated coffees without the use of chemical additives — just water! They’re also a certified organic facility, which means organic coffee beans remain organic throughout the entire decaffeination process. Furthermore, their operations are just a stone’s throw away from our roastery here in BC — the world’s best decaf comes from Canada!
They start by creating their proprietary Green Coffee Extract, consisting of water plus all the same water-soluble compounds found in coffee, minus caffeine. When the green coffee beans are immersed in this extract and heated until porous, the caffeine travels by osmosis out of the beans and into the water over 8-10 hours, leaving the other compounds intact. Then the green decaffeinated coffee heads out to coffee roasters like us, who roast the beans with confidence in their flavour integrity.
The result is amazingly tasty organic decaf coffee that’s good for us, and for the planet!
How is the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee roasted?
Once the team at Swiss Water® has decaffeinated our coffee, we roast it at our carbon-neutral facility just long enough for the sugars to caramelize and the rich chocolate flavours to develop. We end the roasting process just after second crack, when they emit a series of popping sounds for the second time since the process began as carbon dioxide escapes the cell walls. Then we release the beans into the cooling tray, where the temperature drops as quickly as possible and degassing begins. We bag and seal the beans once they’ve fully cooled, locking in the flavour so that the coffee is at the optimal point of freshness when it reaches its destination.
Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee certifications
For us, a coffee’s origin and its impact on the planet are just as important as the way it tastes. That’s why we’ve collaborated with globally-recognized institutions to certify that our beans improve the well-being of the people who produce it and the surrounding ecosystems. Here are the certifications that such authorities have granted our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf coffee:
OCIA Certified Organic
OCIA International, or the Organic Crop Improvement Association International, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and certifying organic agricultural practices. With a strong commitment to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship, OCIA International plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and authenticity of organic products worldwide.
Through its rigorous certification processes and support for organic farmers, OCIA International continues to be a leading force in the organic industry, fostering consumer trust and facilitating the growth of organic agriculture on a global scale. The criteria they use guarantee no chemical or non-natural fertilizers have been applied to fields for a minimum of three years before harvest. Each qualifying farm is required to keep and submit detailed records of its agricultural practices, and is inspected annually by an impartial agency. The certification gives us full confidence that every bag of Farm & Forest Selkirk Moose Coffee is pesticide-free, all-natural, sustainably grown, and top quality.
Carbon Neutral
Year after year, Synergy Enterprises helps us reduce our net global greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. We take our environmental responsibility very seriously, and we’re so proud to work with a local company that can so accurately map and measure everything from energy consumption (usage at our facility as well as fuel for delivery vehicles) to total emissions (including shipping and green coffee export). Any emissions we cannot eliminate entirely we offset by purchasing verified Carbon Credits.
Direct Trade
While a direct trade certification does not yet exist, we feel so strongly about our commitment to working closely with our producing partners that we’ve included it here and on each bag of Organic Selkirk Moose Coffee.
Direct trade coffee offers numerous advantages that make it a better choice for consumers, farmers, and the environment. Direct trade practices ensure that coffee farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work and dedication by eliminating the middleman, empowering farmers to earn a decent income, and providing them with better living conditions.
The resulting stability enhances the overall well-being of coffee-growing communities, fostering sustainable development and reducing poverty.
By choosing direct trade coffee, you not only support responsible environmental stewardship but also contribute to the preservation of delicate ecosystems in coffee-producing regions, participating in a global movement that promotes social justice, ethical trading practices, and environmental sustainability.
How does the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee protect nature?
For every pound of Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee sold, we donate 15 cents to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which has helped conserve 14 million hectares of critical habitat since 1962.
The donation goes towards the protection of forests like the Darkwoods Conservation Area in southeastern BC, where species like the Trembling Aspen can thrive. Darkwoods is a breathtaking wilderness landscape that plays a central role in a network of parks and wildlife management areas — 1,100 square kilometres of forest where animals can roam freely.
This is one way we’ve committed to proving that coffee can be an avenue for climate action, providing us not only with delicious coffee, but also hope for endangered wildlife.
What’s the best way to brew our Organic Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee?
The Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee makes a delicious espresso or drip coffee, but it also brews up beautifully with the AeroPress. Here’s our favourite AeroPress recipe:
Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee AeroPress Recipe
For this method, we use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, but you can adjust by a gram in either direction to suit your taste.
You will need:
AeroPress and paper filter
Kettle (gooseneck, if possible, for precision)
Grinder (burr, if possible)
Scale (digital, in grams, if possible)
Timer
Serving vessel or favourite mug
18g Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee
270g water (200°F) plus extra for preheating
Step 1
Place the filter in the filter cap of the AeroPress, and screw the cap into place. Place the AeroPress over your serving vessel and pour water into the chamber. Allow the water to preheat the vessel for a few moments, then discard.
Step 2
Grind the coffee on a medium setting, so the particles resemble sand. Add the ground coffee to the AeroPress chamber.
Step 3
Place the AeroPress and the vessel on the scale and tare to zero.
Step 4
Start the timer and add water to the “1” mark (approximately 83 grams), then give the mixture a stir.
Step 5
After the coffee has bloomed for a few moments, add more water to the “2” mark (the scale should now read about 166 grams). Stir again.
Step 6
Add water to the “3” mark (the scale should now read about 250 grams) and stir one last time.
Step 7
Keeping the AeroPress in place atop the vessel, remove both from the scale and insert the top chamber. Slowly press down to push the water through the filter into the vessel. Stop if you hear a hissing sound. The total brew time should be approximately 2 minutes total.
Swirl the coffee in the vessel and enjoy when it reaches your desired temperature.
FAQs about the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee
Where can I buy Organic Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee?
Our list of retail partners across BC is growing! But the easiest way to find and purchase our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee is on our website, farmandforestcoffee.com. The beans are available in one-pound and five-pound bags, and we’ll even grind them for you — simply select your preferred brew method during checkout.
How long will my bag of Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee stay fresh?
We bag, seal, and ship our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee right after roasting so that the beans are perfectly rested when they reach your door. Whole bean coffee is best enjoyed within 21 days of roasting; ground coffee should be used within 1 week.
How can I keep the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee fresh for longer?
Our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee beans stay fresh when protected from oxygen, light, and heat. So the best way to store them is in an airtight, opaque container in a cool room. If you don’t think you’ll make it through the whole bag in 4 weeks, you can seal the beans (a vacuum-sealer works best) and freeze them — some of our customers have reported great results from beans frozen for as many as 9 months.
Can I make espresso with the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee?
Yes, our Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee makes a delicious decaf espresso! The shot is sweet and chocolate-forward, perfect for pairing with milk in a latte or cortado, or served over ice on a hot afternoon.
What pairs well with the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee?
With its sweet flavour profile and silky body, the Trembling Aspen SWP Decaf Coffee pairs best with foods on the sweeter side. Think chocolate torte at a dinner party, s’mores around the campfire, doughnuts on a road trip, or a fruit-and-yogurt parfait.
