For many people, coffee is the drink they look forward to waking up to every morning. But have you ever wondered how that coffee gets into your cup? In this article, we'll take you inside the world of coffee production and what it takes to turn a coffee cherry into a delicious cup of coffee!
Where does coffee come from?
According to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi accidentally discovered the energizing power of coffee beans. His goats snacked on the berries and suddenly became much more lively after eating them! Curious about the effects, Kaldi tried the berries himself and found they gave him energy. The discovery of coffee spread quickly and led to the beginning of coffee consumption.
The word "coffee" appears to derive from "Kaffa," a region in Ethiopia where the coffee plant was first discovered. From Ethiopia, coffee spread to other parts of the world. In Arabia, in particular, coffee was embraced and became part of Arab culture and trade.
Eventually, coffee became a global commodity. Brewing and enjoying coffee became essential for many cultures around the world. Today, coffee is much more than a historical beverage. It's a global industry and a source of enjoyment for millions.
Where does coffee grow?
Coffee is grown primarily in specific parts of the world. The area where it is most prevalent is called the "Coffee Belt." This belt runs around the equator and encompasses parts of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Honduras have the largest annual production.
Each region has its own microclimate, altitude, and soil type. This results in coffee beans with unique flavor profiles. It's the variation in growing conditions and regional influences that make coffee such a rich and diverse beverage.
How does coffee grow?
Coffee begins its life journey as a berry on the coffee plant, which belongs to the Coffea family. These plants grow primarily in tropical and subtropical regions with fertile soil. Coffee plants thrive in a temperate climate with adequate rainfall and consistent temperatures.
After planting, it takes several years for the coffee plants to mature and begin producing berries. The berries can vary in color, from green to red, depending on their ripeness. The coffee bean itself is actually the seed inside the berry, surrounded by pulp. Once the berries are ripe, they are harvested, and the process of coffee production begins.
The steps of coffee production
The coffee production process involves several stages, from harvesting the cherries to roasting the beans.
Let's look at the main steps in coffee production:
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1. How are coffee beans harvested? |
2. How are coffee beans processed? |
3. How are coffee beans 'depulped'? |
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Coffee harvesting begins when the coffee cherries are ripe. The timing of the harvest is crucial for the final flavor of the coffee. Most coffee cherries are picked by hand. This is done carefully so that unripe cherries can be separated from the ripe ones. However, there are also areas where harvesting is done by machine. |
After harvest, the coffee cherries undergo one of the three most common processing methods: drying, wet processing, or semi-washing. The method chosen can influence the coffee's flavor.
Drying involves sun-drying the cherries. Wet processing involves soaking the cherries to remove the pulp. Semi-washed coffee beans undergo a combination of both processes. |
After drying or soaking, the coffee beans must be removed from their husks. This process is known as "depulping." The beans are separated from the pulp, and the beans are washed and dried. |
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4. How are coffee beans roasted? |
5. How are coffee beans ground? |
6. How is the coffee made? |
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One of the most crucial steps in coffee production is roasting the beans. The roasting process can influence the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Lighter roasted beans retain more of their original flavor profile. Darker roasted beans, on the other hand, develop a richer, smokier flavor. |
Before coffee is brewed, the roasted beans are ground. The grind can vary depending on the brewing method. A coarser grind is suitable for methods like French press, while espresso is ground finely. |
The final step is brewing the coffee. This can be done using various methods, such as filter coffee, espresso machines, percolators, and more. The different methods influence the flavor. Also, make sure you use the correct ground coffee for the best results. |
Arabica vs. Robusta Coffee Beans
There are two coffee bean varieties that are most commonly grown worldwide: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica coffee beans
Arabica coffee beans are considered premium because of their refined flavor profile. They grow at higher altitudes and generally have a softer, sweeter flavor with subtle acidity. Arabica beans are often associated with quality coffee and are popular in specialty coffees.
Robusta coffee beans
Robusta beans have a stronger, more robust flavor and contain more caffeine than Arabica beans. They thrive at lower altitudes and have an earthy flavor. Robusta coffee is often used in blends and instant coffee.
Read more about the differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans here.
Buy coffee beans
Looking for the best coffee beans for your taste? Then consider a few important factors:
Freshness
Choose fresh beans. Check the roasting date to ensure the beans are as fresh as possible. Coffee beans can last a long time if they are properly sealed and airtight.
Branding
Discover which roast suits you best. Lightly roasted beans retain more of the original flavor, while darker roasted beans have a more robust flavor.
Read more here about what to look for when buying coffee.
Conclusion
Coffee production is an art that begins with cultivating coffee cherries and ends with your cup of coffee. Understanding this process and choosing the right beans can make a difference in the flavor of your daily brew. Enjoy your coffee journey and keep trying new coffees!