A wonderful journey in the world of coffee: from beans to cups

A wonderful journey in the world of coffee: from beans to cups

Coffee, as a beloved drink, has a long and mysterious history. How did it go from a tiny bean to the delicious drink we enjoy every day? Let's follow this wonderful journey and explore the hidden stories behind the world of coffee.

1. Coffee trees and fruits

It all starts with the coffee tree. These tall, leafy trees grow in subtropical and tropical regions. They need plenty of sun and moderate moisture to thrive.

When the time is right, coffee trees will produce cherry-sized, red or yellow fruits, which contain two seeds arranged relatively parallel to each other in the center, which we call "coffee beans".

2. Coffee bean picking and processing

In order to ensure the quality of coffee beans, it is necessary to select fruits with moderate maturity when picking. This usually requires manual operation because there are both unripe and overripe fruits on the coffee tree.

After picking, coffee beans need to go through a series of processing steps to remove the pulp and outer mucous membrane. First, the skin is peeled, then fermented, washed and dried. These steps are crucial to the formation of the final taste.

3. Roasting of coffee beans

After processing, coffee beans do not have a strong aroma and delicious taste. They still need to go through an important step - roasting.

By controlling the temperature and time, the green beans are heated at high temperature until the internal chemical reaction occurs and the desired flavor characteristics are achieved. Different degrees of roasting will produce different flavor types of coffee: light roasting has bright and fragrant acidity; medium roasting brings a richer, balanced and smooth taste; dark roasting exudes a strong and bitter aroma.

4. Grinding and brewing coffee beans

Once the coffee beans have finished roasting, they can be ground into a powder and prepared for brewing. Different brewing methods can affect the flavor and taste of the coffee.

For example, coffee brewed using the drip method is light and has a soft taste; espresso has a strong and rich aroma and rich taste due to high-pressure extraction; French press can produce a full-bodied and smooth coffee with more sediment but complex flavor.

5. Adding personality: blending and innovation

In addition to traditional methods, modern society has also seen the emergence of various innovative ways to make specialty coffee. For example, adding cream, milk or other seasonings can produce a variety of lattes, upgraded versions of moules, etc.

In addition, there are many special drinks around the world, such as Indonesian-style Kopi LUWAK and Ethiopian Buna, which are all made through unique processing methods and flavor blends.

6. Coffee culture and social interaction

Coffee is not just a drink, but also a cultural and social symbol. From European coffee houses to American Starbucks, people often choose these places to enjoy coffee and get together with friends, family or colleagues.

In addition, many countries have their own unique coffee culture and customs. For example, in Turkey, people can predict the future based on the residue at the bottom of the cup after drinking coffee; in Italy, a variety of latte arts are made based on espresso.

Conclusion

From beans to the aroma in the cup, every step has an important impact on the final taste. Whether you are a lover who enjoys the taste purely or an explorer who is curious about the production process, you can find your own unique and unforgettable experience in this wonderful journey.

Let us immerse ourselves in that cup of fragrant coffee and feel the beauty and passion it brings us.