The Secret of Coffee Beans’ Original Color: From Natural Beauty to the Art of Roasting

The original color of coffee beans

Coffee beans are a magical plant seed that comes in a variety of colors. From dark brown to light yellow, each color represents a different degree of roasting and flavor characteristics. In this article, we will reveal the story behind the original color of coffee beans.

Natural beauty

When coffee cherries are ripe, they present a bright and attractive appearance. Different varieties and origins of coffee trees produce cherries of different colors and shapes. From red, yellow, orange to purple and black, these are the colorful characteristics that nature has given to coffee trees.

During the picking process, an important factor that determines whether the final coffee beans become specialty coffee beans or ordinary commercial grade beans is the picking time. Only when they are fully ripe can the best quality be guaranteed.

Initial processing

Once picked, the coffee cherries go through a series of processing steps, starting with removing the skin and pulp, exposing the remaining coffee beans to the air.

At this point, the original color of the coffee beans begins to show. Typically, mature coffee beans appear dark brown or light yellow. This depends on the variety and the growing environment.

Drying process

In order to preserve the quality of the coffee beans and prevent them from getting moldy, they need to be dried. This process is very important because it directly affects the final taste and flavor.

Drying in the sun is a traditional and effective drying method, during which the beans gradually become harder and change color.

Classification and grading

After drying, the coffee beans need to be sorted and graded. This process mainly judges the differences between the various precision grades in each batch based on characteristics such as color, size and shape.

Different grades have different values ​​and uses, and have different selling prices in the market. Color is one of the important criteria for judgment, because it reflects the characteristics of coffee beans before roasting.

The Art of Baking

When the coffee beans are sent to the roaster, they will decide the final roast level based on the desired flavor and taste.

Light roasting retains the lighter part of the original color, making the coffee beans appear light yellow or light brown. This degree of roasting usually retains more of the flavor and acidity unique to the original origin.

Deep roasting will make the coffee beans very dark and have a glossy luster on the surface. At this level, the coffee beans lose most of the characteristics of their original origin, but add some freshness, sweetness and bitterness.

Conclusion

From natural beauty to human processing to the final product, you can see the color of coffee beans change at every stage. Each color represents a different degree of roasting and flavor characteristics.

Understanding the story behind the original color of coffee beans can help us better appreciate and savor this wonderful drink. Whether it is dark brown or light yellow, every cup of coffee has its own unique story waiting for us to discover.