Coffee product knowledge revealed: from beans to aroma in the cup, everything you want to know is here!

The origin of coffee

Coffee is a drink made from coffee beans that originated in Africa. According to legend, in the 9th century AD, a shepherd named Kaldi found that his sheep became unusually active after eating the fruit of a plant. So he tried the fruit and found that it could keep people awake and energetic. This is the origin of coffee.

Coffee bean growth

Coffee beans grow in tropical regions, mainly in South America, Africa and Asia. They require warm and humid climate conditions and mountainous areas with moderate altitudes to grow. Usually, they go through multiple steps of processing after being picked from the tree.

Coffee bean processing

The first step is to peel and pulp the fruit, during which the outer layer of the fruit is peeled off, leaving behind two relatively smooth and hard small spherical objects (what are called "kernels" before they are ground).

Next comes fermentation, where the coffee beans are placed in water to ferment. This process helps remove the pulp residue inside the beans and contributes to the taste and flavor of the beans.

Then comes the drying process, where the coffee beans are spread out in the sun to dry. This process requires patience and waiting until the coffee beans are completely dry.

The final step is roasting, which involves putting the beans into a roaster for a heat treatment. Different roasting times and temperatures will produce coffee with different tastes and flavors.

From coffee beans to cups

Once the above process is completed, we can start making delicious coffee. First, the roasted coffee beans need to be crushed into powder form manually or automatically (the so-called "powdering").

Next, you need to choose a suitable brewing method, such as dripping, pressure extraction or espresso, etc. Each brewing method has its own characteristics and applicable scenarios.

Then comes the infusion process, during which the hot water comes into contact with the coffee grounds, extracting the aroma and flavor from them.

The last step is to enjoy the coffee. Pour the brewed coffee into a cup and add milk, sugar or other seasonings according to your personal taste.

Different types of coffee

There are many different types of coffee in the world, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Here are a few common types of coffee:

- Arabica: This is one of the most common and widely used coffee varieties. It has the characteristics of high acidity, rich aroma and smooth taste.

- Robusta: Robusta is easier to grow than Arabica and contains a higher caffeine content. It usually has a stronger and more bitter taste.

- DECaffeinated: These are beans that have been processed to remove most or all of their caffeine content. Perfect for those who are sensitive to caffeine or drink coffee in the evening.

Coffee storage and grinding

To maintain the freshness and flavor of coffee, we need to pay attention to the following points:

- Storage: Keep unopened coffee packages in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it is best to use it up as soon as possible or keep the remaining portion sealed.

- Grinding: If you buy whole coffee beans, you can choose the appropriate grinding degree according to your preference. Generally speaking, finer grinding is suitable for concentrated brewing methods (such as espresso), while coarser grinding is suitable for traditional brewing methods such as drip brewing.

Conclusion

From planting to production, every step has an impact on the final taste and flavor. I hope that this article will help you learn more about coffee products and have more experience and taste when enjoying delicious coffee.