Coffee bean cultivation: from seed to cup of coffee

Starbucks Price Selection and Sowing of Seeds

The coffee bean planting process begins with seed selection and sowing. When choosing coffee bean varieties, farmers need to consider factors such as climate conditions, soil quality, and market demand. Common coffee bean varieties include Arabica and Robusta, which are adapted to different growing environments.

Once the variety is determined, farmers begin planting. First, they need to prepare fertile, well-drained soil and level it. Then, in the right season, they will bury the coffee beans directly into the soil and maintain the right humidity and temperature.

Seedling stage and transplanting

In the next few weeks, farmers will closely monitor the growth of the seedlings and make sure they get enough sunlight and water. Once the seedlings have grown to a certain height and have strong resistance, they can be transplanted.

Transplanting is the process of removing the seedlings from the nursery bed and relocating them to a location with more ideal growing conditions. This process requires careful handling to ensure that the seedlings' root systems are not damaged. After transplanting, farmers will continue to provide the seedlings with appropriate nutrients and water, and carry out necessary weed control.

Growth and pruning

It takes several years for coffee trees to start bearing fruit, and during this time farmers need to regularly prune and manage the trees to promote healthy growth and control foliage density.

Pruning can help improve coffee bean yield and quality. By removing overcrowded or weak branches, it allows sunlight to better reach the plant and increases air circulation. In addition, proper pruning before the berries ripen can help control the number and size of the berries.

Picking and processing

When coffee beans are fully ripe, it is time to pick them. Generally speaking, the picking time is before the fruit turns red and has the best flavor. In order to ensure the quality of the harvest, farmers will choose to pick them by hand or by machine during the picking process.

The next step is to process the picked coffee beans. First, farmers will peel off the skin and pulp, usually using wet or dry processing. The wet process requires soaking the coffee beans in water and then removing the pulp through mechanical force; while the dry process is to directly dry the coffee beans and wait for them to fall off naturally.

Roasting and grinding

After processing, the coffee beans need to be roasted to bring out the best flavor. Farmers will put the coffee beans into special ovens and process them at the right temperature and time. This process can change the color, aroma and taste of the coffee beans.

Once the coffee beans are roasted, they can be ground. Typically, people choose to buy pre-ground coffee or use professional equipment to grind them themselves.

Brewing and Tasting

The final step is to taste the freshly brewed coffee. Whether it is made by drip, espresso or other methods, each method has different processes and steps.

When tasting coffee, people pay attention to its aroma, taste and aftertaste. A cup of mellow coffee requires careful care in multiple links such as planting, picking, processing and roasting.

Conclusion

From seeds to a cup of mellow coffee, each link carries the hard work of farmers and their pursuit of quality. Only when every detail in these links is carefully handled can we enjoy the wonderful experience brought by a cup of intoxicating coffee.