COFFEE will soon be grown with different levels of caffeine – from zero to superhero. In a scientific breakthrough for lovers of the world’s favourite brew, growers will soon be able to produce a natural ­caffeine-free coffee bean. University of Queensland professor Robert Henry is at the forefront of the discovery that could revolutionise the coffee industry in Australia. Every second, more than 26,000 people drink a cup of the planet’s most popular brew. That is a rate of about 2.25 billion cups a day. Until now, for those who don’t want the kick of caffeine – about 12 per cent of all coffee drinkers – it meant a processed, watered-down version, known as decaf, but without the full flavour. Scientists believe, by sequencing the coffee genome, it will be possible to breed new strains based on the coffee genes responsible for flavour, aroma and caffeine content. Professor Henry, who collaborated on the project, sees a new multimillion-dollar niche industry for coffee growers in Byron Bay and the Atherton Tableland. “Potentially, Queensland could develop a multimillion-dollar market for high-quality, premium coffees, ranging from full strength to decaffeinated,” said Prof Henry, of Queensland’s Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation. The breakthrough, too, is good news for those hooked on man’s best chemical friend. “I like my coffee strong,” said Abbee Ronning, 23, with friend Sage Ray, 21, at Paleo Cafe in Cairns yesterday. “I did have decaf, once. It tasted terrible. Besides, I like how I go from zero to hero with a caffeine kickstart.” Coffee shop owners say the findings, published in the prestigious journal Science yesterday, will also revolutionise modern-day cafe culture. “We sell most of our decaf in the afternoon,” said Debbie Bauer, owner of Re: Hab cafe in the tropical tourist haven. “With this breakthrough, I think social trends and the whole coffee culture will change,” she said. Skybury coffee grower Mark MacLaughlin said: “To be able to naturally grow a decaf coffee is a huge thing.” Source: cairnspost.com.au/lifestyle/the-ultimate-coffee-experiment/story-fnjpuwet-1227049682712