Oh, I'd like to hear about sources of decent decaf, too. I love coffee! I never have gotten excessive about it but that's partly because I'm very sensitive to it -- I really feel it after even just one cup. This week I've gone down to just one cup of half-caf but I'm not sure I can go lower than that if it means it's going to taste bad! Hopefully some readers here have some solutions to suggest...
For the coffee beans... Maybe try purchasing unroasted decaf beans? That way you have control of at least the roast. We roast in our house and it's super easy and makes the home smell great!
I'd recommend Teeccino. They have a large and flavorful range of substitute non caffeinated coffee, with the express purpose of helping people get off coffee. I have never been a coffee drinker, so maybe I'm not the best to recommend it, but their teas are delicious (and they have them available either in a tea bag or as grounds you can use in a French press).
I gave up buying beans and grinding each morning. Yes, pre-ground is not as good. I am now going decaf, slowly as well. 50/50 caf/decaf has prevented major headaches. Another major switch in our house is purchase of a Keurig pod machine. Our adult kids thought we needed one and they were right as they often are now. Van Houghten coffee makes a Swiss water washed decaf and we can get their pods online. Research decaffinating processes. This one uses water not chemicals. Their whole line of coffees (many flavored ones too - not my choice) are enjoyed by hubby Mike. I am strictly decaf except when I had a meeting at Starbucks yesterday when I treated myself to a hot hazelnut oat milk latte. The energy boost was worth the flavor treat.
You introduced me to Andy Crouch. I am so glad you did! I read "The Life We're Looking For" over the summer and am reading "Strong and Weak" right now. I printed the article mentioned last week to make my way through it slowly. My work in education is through a digital delivery system with little classroom time (in Canada), and I see students losing out on this model. Though the tools are helpful, especially for students with language and processing barriers, I struggle to find balance. My last home-educated kiddo is in this model, and I struggle with some of the effects. Anyway, I always appreciate the articles you share.
As for coffee, I assume Canada is not an option to source your decaf, but if it were, Kicking Horse Decaf would be a winner. Locally (for me) roasted, and I have not found anything better in terms of taste and texture.
Making the switch to decaf is hard! I own Temecula Coffee Roasters (Temecula is halfway between LA and San Diego) and we have an awesome Fairtrade Swiss Water Decaf Peru as well as a HalfCaf that can help with the journey ;) I have loved your books and newsletter for years and I'd be thrilled to get some roasted and sent your way- just let me know where to send it!
Ooh! Thank you so much, Carrie; I'd love to get a bag (and would love to support your business). I normally turn off the chat feature here in Substack (can't handle one more inbox), but I'll briefly pause that so I can send you my email address + details. Thanks so much!
Two ideas for decaf. Whole Foods has a store brand swiss water process decaf that tastes decent. And I LOVE this herbal coffee from Rasa. They have a few different blends and one that I believe has a small amount of coffee? But it’s an adaptogenic coffee alternative and actually scratches the coffee itch in a way that tea doesn’t for me. I use the AIP friendly one because it doesn’t have nightshades, but they have some others that look great too. https://wearerasa.com/products/original-rasa
I have been decaf for many years (not including one cup of morning tea) and I had a hard time finding non chemically processed decaf so I started roasting my own beans. You can order beans from a bunch of websites for pretty inexpensive and I bought a Behmor coffee roaster. I had a few friends who roasted their own beans and we have been doing it ourselves for about 5 years now. My husband roasts his caffeinated beans and I roast my decaf.
In answer to your question, I think my present has been influenced by my past lately as well as my future. I recently attended a memorial service for a woman 6 years younger than I am. Since then I am struggling with a bunch of old hurts, future fears and present confusion. So many feels!
Oh, I'd like to hear about sources of decent decaf, too. I love coffee! I never have gotten excessive about it but that's partly because I'm very sensitive to it -- I really feel it after even just one cup. This week I've gone down to just one cup of half-caf but I'm not sure I can go lower than that if it means it's going to taste bad! Hopefully some readers here have some solutions to suggest...
For the coffee beans... Maybe try purchasing unroasted decaf beans? That way you have control of at least the roast. We roast in our house and it's super easy and makes the home smell great!
Yeah, we've thought of that...
I'd recommend Teeccino. They have a large and flavorful range of substitute non caffeinated coffee, with the express purpose of helping people get off coffee. I have never been a coffee drinker, so maybe I'm not the best to recommend it, but their teas are delicious (and they have them available either in a tea bag or as grounds you can use in a French press).
Interesting!
I gave up buying beans and grinding each morning. Yes, pre-ground is not as good. I am now going decaf, slowly as well. 50/50 caf/decaf has prevented major headaches. Another major switch in our house is purchase of a Keurig pod machine. Our adult kids thought we needed one and they were right as they often are now. Van Houghten coffee makes a Swiss water washed decaf and we can get their pods online. Research decaffinating processes. This one uses water not chemicals. Their whole line of coffees (many flavored ones too - not my choice) are enjoyed by hubby Mike. I am strictly decaf except when I had a meeting at Starbucks yesterday when I treated myself to a hot hazelnut oat milk latte. The energy boost was worth the flavor treat.
You introduced me to Andy Crouch. I am so glad you did! I read "The Life We're Looking For" over the summer and am reading "Strong and Weak" right now. I printed the article mentioned last week to make my way through it slowly. My work in education is through a digital delivery system with little classroom time (in Canada), and I see students losing out on this model. Though the tools are helpful, especially for students with language and processing barriers, I struggle to find balance. My last home-educated kiddo is in this model, and I struggle with some of the effects. Anyway, I always appreciate the articles you share.
As for coffee, I assume Canada is not an option to source your decaf, but if it were, Kicking Horse Decaf would be a winner. Locally (for me) roasted, and I have not found anything better in terms of taste and texture.
Added note: I just found out it is sold in the US. https://kickinghorsecoffee.com/collections/coffee/products/decaf
I've actually heard of Kicking Horse Coffee!
Making the switch to decaf is hard! I own Temecula Coffee Roasters (Temecula is halfway between LA and San Diego) and we have an awesome Fairtrade Swiss Water Decaf Peru as well as a HalfCaf that can help with the journey ;) I have loved your books and newsletter for years and I'd be thrilled to get some roasted and sent your way- just let me know where to send it!
Ooh! Thank you so much, Carrie; I'd love to get a bag (and would love to support your business). I normally turn off the chat feature here in Substack (can't handle one more inbox), but I'll briefly pause that so I can send you my email address + details. Thanks so much!
Who do supply locally, Carrie? My son and daughter-in-law are in that area - and love coffee!
Roast House Coffee- out of Spokane WA!
Really REALLY good coffee! Deborah recently passed but left behind a people and world caring business!
https://roasthousecoffee.com/pages/sustainability-1
Two ideas for decaf. Whole Foods has a store brand swiss water process decaf that tastes decent. And I LOVE this herbal coffee from Rasa. They have a few different blends and one that I believe has a small amount of coffee? But it’s an adaptogenic coffee alternative and actually scratches the coffee itch in a way that tea doesn’t for me. I use the AIP friendly one because it doesn’t have nightshades, but they have some others that look great too. https://wearerasa.com/products/original-rasa
Ooh! This is interesting — thank you!
Try https://www.crimsoncup.com. I carried their coffee in my coffeehouse and it was the best decaf I have ever had.
I like Merit Coffee’s decaf!
I have been decaf for many years (not including one cup of morning tea) and I had a hard time finding non chemically processed decaf so I started roasting my own beans. You can order beans from a bunch of websites for pretty inexpensive and I bought a Behmor coffee roaster. I had a few friends who roasted their own beans and we have been doing it ourselves for about 5 years now. My husband roasts his caffeinated beans and I roast my decaf.
There are also a lot of small coffee business that do mail orders. Our friends have Happy Home Coffee and they have a monthly subscription
We really enjoy Wolfgang Puck Chef's Reserve Decaf.
I’d love to hear more about the tiny bits of decluttering!
Oh and I’m with you for the last poll. I have one of each! 😺🐶
In answer to your question, I think my present has been influenced by my past lately as well as my future. I recently attended a memorial service for a woman 6 years younger than I am. Since then I am struggling with a bunch of old hurts, future fears and present confusion. So many feels!
I struggle with caffeine too these days. I love two WI roasters, especially because they have a few options. So often decaf gets boring.
https://colectivo.com/collections/coffee/decaf
And….
https://wonderstate.com/collections/coffee