What does "decaf" stand for in coffee?

The term "decaf" stands for decaffeinated coffee, which refers to coffee beans that have had most of their caffeine removed. The decaffeination process typically involves soaking the green coffee beans in water or using solvents to extract caffeine, allowing the beans to retain their flavor profile while significantly reducing the caffeine content. This process provides an option for coffee drinkers who prefer to limit their caffeine intake for health reasons or personal preference.

Understanding this term is essential because it clearly distinguishes decaffeinated coffee from regular coffee, which contains a higher caffeine level, affecting flavor, aroma, and the overall coffee experience. The other terms listed, such as dehydrated, desalted, or double strength, do not relate to the process of removing caffeine and therefore do not correctly describe what "decaf" means in the context of coffee.