Abstract: A method of extracting roasted and ground coffee is disclosed. Exraction water is fed to one end of an extraction vessel containing roasted and ground coffee, and coffee extract is with drawn from the other end. Flow of water to and from the vessel is intermittently halted, and extracted roasted and ground coffee is intermittently discharged from the vessel, while a portion of unextracted coffee is charged to the vessel at the other end. The movement of coffee in the extraction vessel is countercurrent relative to the flow of the extraction water. The method of the present invention is less complex, is more easily controlled, requires a lower capital investment and produces a more aromatic coffee extract of better flavor balance.

Abstract: A method of decaffeinating aqueous roasted coffee extracts is disclosed. An organic caffeine solvent is first loaded with essentially hydrolyzed coffee solids. The aqueous roasted coffee extract is contacted with the loaded organic caffeine solvent for a sufficient period of time to transfer at least some of the caffeine from the coffee extract to the caffeine solvent, whereupon the extract is separated from the caffeine-containing solvent. The resultant coffee extract has been found to have noticably more body notes than a coffee extract which is decaffeinated with a solvent that has not been loaded with hydrolyzed coffee solids.