CAFFEINE REDUCTION IN COFFEE PULP THROUGH SILAGE

Silage tests to study reductions of antiphysiological compounds (caffe ine and polyphenols) of fresh coffee pulp during the anaerobic ferment ation were done. A concrete silo divided in compartments, with a total capacity of 9 tons of fresh material was utilized. The silage periods ranged between 99-224 days and the following materials were ensiled: 1) coffee pulp, 2) coffee pulp with sugar cane molasses, 3) coffee pul p with a mixture of molasses and ammonia and 4) screw pressed coffee p ulp with molasses. Reductions in caffeine, total polyphenols and conde nsed.polyphenols ranged between 13-63%, 28-70% and 51-81% respectively . It was concluded that in the case of coffee pulp, silage presents an d ideal method to preserve the material and partially reduce the conte nts of antiphysiological compounds