The origin of coffee: a journey to explore the aroma from the predecessor of coffee beans

The origin of coffee: a journey to explore the aroma from the predecessor of coffee beans

Coffee, one of the world's most popular beverages, has a long history and unique flavor. It is made from ground coffee beans, which come from a magical process. Let's embark on a journey of exploration to understand the origins of coffee beans and how they evolved into the black magic we love.

1. Coffee trees and fruits

Before we delve into the origins of coffee beans, we need to first understand where they come from. Originally planted at high altitudes, with warm climates, ample rainfall and fertile soil, there grows a plant called the "coffee tree".

These trees usually grow quite tall and have dense and thick foliage. However, the most striking and important part is the exquisite fruits that come out of the tree.

These fruits are called coffee cherries, and their appearance and color vary, depending on the variety and maturity. Some cherries are red, yellow, or even purple.

2. Extraction of coffee beans

When the coffee cherries are ripe, farmers pick them. This process requires patience and skill, as only fully ripe fruits can provide the best coffee beans.

Once picked, farmers peel the cherry apart to reveal the two coffee beans inside, which are often surrounded by a thin membrane called "silverskin."

In some cases, people choose to keep only one bean and call it "single origin" or "pearl" coffee. However, in most cases, both beans are kept for further processing.

3. Remove the outer layer

The next step is to remove the silver skin and other residual substances. This process is usually done by water washing or dry process.

Washed coffee beans are soaked in water and then stirred and sifted to remove the pulp and silverskin. This method generally produces a light and clean taste.

The dry method, on the other hand, involves leaving the beans out in the sun to allow the pulp to fall off naturally. This method usually gives the coffee a stronger flavor.

4. Roasting of coffee beans

Once the outer layer is removed, the coffee beans are ready to be roasted. Roasting is a critical step that determines the final flavor profile.

Different degrees of roasting result in different tastes and aromas. Light roasting produces a bright and acidic taste; medium roasting brings a balanced and rich flavor; while dark roasting makes the coffee bitter and exudes a rich chocolate or nutty aroma.

5. Grinding and brewing

The last step is to grind the roasted coffee beans into powder and use different brewing methods to make the coffee we love.

Whether it's drip, espresso or French press, each brewing method brings a different taste and flavor to the coffee. And choosing the right grind size is also very important because it affects the contact time between water and coffee powder and the extraction effect.

Conclusion

Through this journey of discovery, we learned about the origins of coffee beans and how they evolved into the beverage we love. Grown from high altitudes and going through multiple steps such as picking, removing the outer layer, roasting and brewing, each link has an important impact on the final flavor.

Next time you sip a cup of coffee that’s fragrant and rich in flavor, remember the hard work and intricate craftsmanship that went into making it. Enjoy the journey, and let that cup of coffee bring you a wonderful experience.