Coffee data reveals: From farm to cup, explore the magical journey of coffee

The magical journey of coffee: from farm to cup

Coffee, one of the most popular drinks in the world, has a fantastic and wonderful production process. From planting, picking, processing to roasting and brewing, every link is full of infinite stories and surprises. Let us uncover the fascinating secrets behind coffee.

1. Planting and harvesting

Coffee beans are extracted from the fruits of coffee trees. These fruits have different names in different regions, such as "cherries" in Brazil and "berries" in Ethiopia. When these fruits are ripe, they turn red or yellow and have a rich and attractive aroma.

Picking is a crucial step in the planting process. Usually, only fully ripe, brightly colored and full-bodied berries are selected for picking. Therefore, in most producing areas, picking coffee beans is a heavy and time-consuming task. Farmers usually pick by hand to ensure that only the best berries are harvested.

2. Processing and fermentation

Once the coffee beans are picked, they need to go through a process called processing and fermentation. There are two main types of processing methods: dry and wet.

Dry processing involves drying the whole coffee cherry in the sun. This method is suitable for areas with dry climates and can produce coffee beans with a strong taste and rich flavor.

Wet processing involves peeling the berries and washing them with water to clean the mucilage. This method allows for better control of bean quality and produces a coffee with a clean, bright acidity.

Regardless of the method used, the coffee beans are then fermented. This is a process where microorganisms break down the pulp and influence the final flavor. The length of time and specific conditions vary from region to region, but they all play an important role in the quality of the final product.

3. Baking and Brewing

Roasting is the key step to make coffee beans fragrant and rich in taste. During the roasting process, the moisture inside the coffee beans will be evaporated, and a series of chemical reactions will occur, causing the coffee beans to change color and release their unique aroma and flavor.

Different degrees of roasting will bring completely different taste experiences. Light roasting usually retains the original flavor with bright and prominent acidity; medium roasting can balance bitterness and acidity, and has a richer and softer taste; dark roasting emphasizes bitterness and sweetness, bringing a rich and full experience.

Finally, before brewing the coffee powder, we need to choose the type of brewing equipment that suits our taste preferences (such as drip, French press or espresso machine) to adjust. Time, temperature and ratio are all important factors that affect the taste of the coffee in the final cup.

4. Coffee culture and social influence

Coffee is not just a drink, it also carries rich cultural and social significance. From the coffee house culture in Arab countries to the coffee shop trend in Western countries, coffee has become an indispensable part of people's lives, whether as a social place or a work and leisure space.

In addition, the coffee industry has also had a profound impact on many countries and regions. In rural areas, growing and processing coffee has become one of the main sources of income for many farmers and has driven local economic development. In cities, occupations ranging from roasters to blenders to waiters have also emerged because of the coffee industry.

Conclusion

By revealing the journey from farm to cup, we can better understand and appreciate the story behind each delicious cup. Whether you are an avid coffee drinker or someone who just enjoys the aroma and taste, coffee is a magical drink that connects us to the world.