Coffee bean cultivation process revealed

Coffee bean cultivation process revealed

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and coffee beans are the key raw material for making coffee. Understanding the whole process of coffee beans from planting to harvesting can help us better understand this fascinating drink.

1. Coffee tree growth environment

Coffee trees usually grow in tropical and subtropical areas, at altitudes between 800m and 2000m. They need plenty of sunlight and moderate rainfall to grow healthy. In addition, soil quality also plays an important role in the growth of coffee trees.

2. Catechin layer formation

As coffee cherries begin to ripen, a special layer forms inside them called the “pecan layer.” This layer protects the inner straw-colored or yellow pulp and two seeds called “beans.”

3. Harvesting and processing

When about 70% to 80% of the berries turn red, the coffee beans are ready to be picked. In most areas, coffee cherries are picked by hand because machines cannot accurately determine which cherries are ripe.

Once picked, the coffee beans need to be processed to remove the pulp and outer layers. This process is usually done in two ways: dry and wet.

Dry processing involves placing the whole coffee cherry in the sun to dry. When the pulp becomes dry and easy to peel, workers will peel it off by machine or by hand, leaving the "bean" inside.

The wet process is to soak the coffee cherries in water, and then use mechanical force to remove the outer layer and pulp. Next, the "beans" will be placed in a tank for fermentation for a period of time to remove the remaining mucus, and finally washed and dried to obtain completely clean coffee beans.

4. Original processing

Once harvested and initially handled, the coffee beans need to go through primary processing to remove residual matter. This process typically includes screening, grading, removing defects and separating different coffee bean varieties.

5. Baking

Roasting is the process of heating raw coffee beans to a certain temperature to change their chemical properties and flavor. Different degrees of roasting will produce coffee with different tastes and aromas.

6. Storage and transportation

Once roasted, coffee beans need to be properly stored to maintain their freshness. Typically, they are placed in sealed packages and stored in a dry, dark, and low-temperature environment.

It is also very important to ensure that the coffee beans are safe and intact during transportation. They may be shipped by ship or plane to be supplied to consumers all over the world.

7. Grinding and Brewing

The final step is to grind the fresh coffee beans and use them to make delicious coffee. This process can be done manually or automatically, and you can choose the right strength and taste to brew a perfect cup of coffee according to your personal preference.

Understanding the entire process of coffee beans from planting to harvesting can help us appreciate the effort and craftsmanship behind this drink. Every cup of fragrant coffee is the result of countless people's hard work and passion.