The mystery of coffee bean growth: from germination to roasting, the whole process is revealed!

The mystery of coffee bean growth: from germination to roasting, the whole process is revealed!

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and coffee beans are the key ingredient in making coffee. However, few people know the process of coffee beans growing from seeds to being roasted into a fragrant aroma. This article will take you to unveil this mystery and introduce the whole process of coffee beans from germination to roasting in detail.

1. Planting and harvesting

A delicious coffee bean starts with a tiny seed. These seeds are usually cultivated at high altitudes and grow better under the right conditions of temperature, humidity and altitude. Farmers sow these seeds in the soil and regularly water and fertilize them to promote their growth.

After about three years, when the trees are large enough, farmers can start harvesting the fruits of their hard work. These fruits are called "cherries" because of their bright red or yellow appearance. Farmers carefully select the ripe cherries and pick them from the trees by hand or machine.

2. Peeling and fermentation

Once the cherries are harvested, farmers need to separate the pulp from the coffee beans. The most common way to do this is through a peeling and fermentation process. First, farmers use special machines to remove the pulp from the coffee beans. Then, they place the beans in water to ferment.

The fermentation process usually takes several days, during which the coffee beans come into contact with water and undergo a chemical reaction. This process helps remove the pectin that remains on the surface of the coffee beans and makes them easier to dry.

3. Drying and storage

After fermentation, coffee beans need to be dried for long-term storage. Farmers usually choose to dry them naturally or use machine-assisted drying methods.

Drying coffee beans naturally is a traditional and cost-effective method of drying them in the sun. This process can take several weeks, and farmers will regularly turn the beans to ensure they dry evenly.

Machine-assisted drying is faster and more controlled. Farmers place the beans in special equipment that controls the temperature and humidity to speed up the drying process.

After drying, the coffee beans are packed into bags or barrels for storage. In order to maintain its freshness and quality, farmers usually choose to seal the packaging and store it in a cool and dry place.

4. Baking

When someone wants to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, the last step is to roast the coffee beans. This process is critical because it gives the coffee beans their unique aroma and taste.

Before roasting, people usually choose coffee beans of different types, origins or processing methods according to their preferences. Then, these green beans are processed at high temperatures in professional equipment.

As the temperature rises, the coffee beans undergo chemical changes. They begin to expand, release water and carbon dioxide, and gradually turn dark brown. The roaster needs to master the roasting time based on experience and feeling to ensure that the coffee beans achieve the desired flavor.

Once roasted, the beans need to cool and rest for a while to release the carbon dioxide inside. Then, they can be ground and used to make delicious coffee.

Conclusion

From planting to harvesting to finally becoming a fragrant and aromatic coffee, the whole process is a difficult and technically demanding process. Through this article, we can better understand the process and have a deeper understanding of every delicious cup of coffee.