The coffee bean growing process: From seed to aroma

Seed germination

The growth journey of coffee beans begins with a tiny seed. When the seed is placed in the soil and subjected to suitable temperature and humidity conditions, it begins to germinate. First, the hard shell outside the seed will crack, and then a slender and soft seedling will emerge from it.

Seedling growth

Once the seedling emerges from the soil, it will continue to grow upwards. At this stage, light is a very important factor. The coffee plant needs enough sunlight to photosynthesize and convert energy into nutrients for its own use.

Leaf formation

Over time, coffee plants begin to develop more and larger leaves. These leaves produce oxygen and glucose from the interaction of water and carbon dioxide with sunlight.

Flowers bloom

When coffee plants reach a certain size (usually after a few years), they begin to bloom. Each flower has white or pale pink petals and emits a light fragrance. These flowers usually grow at the end of branches, forming beautiful bouquets.

Pollination and fruit formation

Coffee plants need pollinating insects, such as bees, to help them with pollination. As the insects fly from flower to flower, they carry pollen to another female organ, allowing fertilization to occur. Over time, the fertilized female organ gradually turns into the fruit where the coffee beans are located.

Fruit ripening

Over a period of several months, the beans begin to grow larger and change color. The initially green berries will gradually turn red, yellow, or orange. This indicates that the beans are fully ripe and ready to be harvested.

Harvesting and processing

When the coffee beans are fully ripe, farmers can start harvesting. They use manual or mechanical equipment to pick the entire branch and peel the fruit from the branch. Next, the coffee beans need to go through a series of processing steps, including peeling, fermentation, washing and drying.

Roasting and grinding

Once the coffee beans are completely dry, they are sent to the coffee factory for roasting. Under high temperature, the moisture inside the coffee beans will evaporate and produce a pleasant aroma. Then, these brown coffee beans will be put into the grinder for crushing.

Brew and enjoy

Finally, there is one more important step before we can taste the fragrant and delicious coffee-brewing. By mixing the right amount of powder with boiling water and filtering out the solid particles, we can get a cup of delicious coffee with a strong aroma and rich taste.

In summary, in the journey from seed to aroma, each stage is indispensable and interdependent. Only under suitable conditions can seeds germinate, seedlings grow, leaves form, flowers bloom, and finally form coffee beans. After the steps of harvesting, processing, roasting and grinding, we can taste a delicious cup of coffee.