Coffee bean processing secrets revealed: from picking to roasting, a comprehensive analysis!

Coffee bean picking

The quality and taste of coffee beans depends on the time and method of picking. Generally speaking, coffee beans are picked when they reach the optimal period of maturity. This usually happens before the berries turn red and begin to fall off.

Coffee Bean Processing

Once picked, coffee beans go through a series of processing steps before they become the drinkable form we know as coffee.

Peeling and fermentation

The first step is to remove the skin from the coffee beans. This can be done using mechanical equipment or by hand. Next, the peeled coffee beans are placed in a specific environment for fermentation. This process helps remove substances that remain on the outer pulp and have a negative impact on the taste.

Washing and sun drying

After fermentation is complete, there are two main methods to choose from: washed and sun-dried.

- Water washing method:

The fermented coffee beans are placed in water, stirred and rinsed to remove the pulp residue. This method usually results in coffee beans with higher acidity and a clear taste.

- Sun drying method:

The fermented coffee beans are spread out on an open field for sun drying. This process requires patience as it may take several weeks or even longer to complete. Sun drying usually results in coffee beans with lower acidity and a richer taste.

Baking

The final step is roasting. During roasting, the coffee beans are exposed to high temperatures and undergo chemical reactions that produce specific flavors and aromas. Different degrees of roasting will produce different types of coffee.

Light roast

Light roasting retains the original taste and aroma and usually has higher acidity. This type is suitable for those who like bright taste and pursue original flavor characteristics.

Medium Roast

Medium roast is the most common roast level. It produces a balanced taste with rich flavor and aroma. This type suits most people's tastes.

Dark roast

Dark roasting usually makes the coffee beans more oily and bitter, but it also adds some special flavors. This type is suitable for those who like a strong taste and strong aroma.

Conclusion

From picking to roasting, coffee beans go through several critical steps before they become the delicious beverage we enjoy. Each step has an important impact on the final product, so care needs to be taken during the process to ensure the best quality and taste.