How coffee beans are formed: From flowers to fruits, exploring the wonderful changes of coffee

How coffee beans are formed: from flower to fruit

Coffee, as one of the most popular drinks in the world, is intoxicating with its unique flavor and aroma. However, few people know how coffee beans are formed. This article will focus on exploring the wonderful changes of coffee, gradually revealing the process from flower to fruit.

1. Flowering and Pollination

In the right season, coffee trees produce small white or light pink flowers. These flowers usually grow in clusters on branches. When the temperature, humidity and sunlight meet certain conditions, these flowers will bloom at the same time.

In order for these small flowers to bear fruit, they need to be pollinated. In nature, pollination is mainly carried out by insects, but on farms, it is done with artificial assistance. Usually, a dry, rainless and windy day is chosen during the blooming period to shake the branches or spray water mist to simulate insect activity to promote pollination.

2. Fruit formation

After pollination, the coffee tree begins to form fruit. It usually takes several months for the fruit to fully mature. During this process, the fruit will gradually expand and become larger.

The fruit that holds the coffee beans is called a "coffee cherry" because of their bright red or yellow appearance. These cherries usually grow on branches and are arranged in bunches. When the cherries are fully ripe, they become very sweet and can be eaten directly.

3. Extraction and processing of coffee beans

Once the coffee cherries are fully ripe, they are ready to be picked and the beans extracted. Picking requires careful removal of the entire cherry from the tree without damaging the beans.

Next, the coffee beans are processed. The first step is to remove the outer pulp. There are two main methods: dry and wet processing. Dry processing is to place the whole cherry in the sun to dry, and then remove the pulp by friction or mechanical methods. Wet processing is to soak the cherry in water and use the buoyancy of the water to separate the pulp.

Regardless of the method used, the coffee beans must eventually be dried. This step is very important because only completely dry beans can be stored and transported while maintaining their flavor and quality.

4. Roasting and grinding of coffee beans

After processing and drying, coffee beans are not suitable for brewing coffee directly. They need to go through steps such as roasting and grinding to achieve the best taste.

Roasting is a key step that will give coffee beans a special aroma and flavor. Depending on the degree of time and temperature control, coffee beans with different depths, colors and flavor characteristics can be obtained.

Before brewing, the roasted coffee beans need to be crushed. Depending on the usage (such as drip, espresso, etc.), different particle sizes need to be selected.

5. Brewing and Enjoying

Finally, the ground coffee beans are added to the appropriate amount of water for brewing. This process can be done using a variety of different methods and equipment, such as a coffee machine, a hand-pour pot, or a French press.

After brewing at the right time and temperature, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with a fragrant and rich taste. Whether it is strong and bitter or aromatic and sweet, each cup of coffee represents the essence contained in the long and wonderful process of change from flower to fruit.

Conclusion

By exploring the wonderful process from flower to fruit, we have a deeper understanding of the formation principle of coffee beans. From flowering and pollination, to fruit formation and picking and extraction, and then to roasting and grinding, we can finally brew and enjoy it. Each link plays an important role in the delicious cup that finally appears in front of us. I hope that through this article, readers can cherish every cup of coffee more.