Coffee beans: the journey of aroma on the tree

A fragrant journey on the tree

Coffee beans are a fascinating plant fruit. They go through an amazing journey on the tree, from flowers to ripe fruits, to being picked, processed and roasted. This process is full of wonders and changes, and each step brings us delicious and mellow coffee.

1. Beginning: Blooming and bearing fruit

Coffee beans grow on coffee trees and can only thrive in suitable climate conditions. When spring comes, coffee trees will bloom small white and fragrant white flowers. These small white flowers emit a light fragrance and attract bees and other insects to come and pollinate.

After a few months, the small white flowers fade and the fruit begins to develop. The berries start out green and unripe, then turn red over time.

2. Picking: Finding the perfect moment

When the rich red berries are ripe, that’s when the coffee beans are picked. This process requires careful selection of the optimal time to ensure the coffee beans have the best flavor and quality.

In some areas, coffee beans are picked by hand. Workers carefully examine each rich red berry and peel it out with sharp and careful tools. This process requires patience and skill to avoid damaging the coffee beans.

3. Processing: From pulp to coffee beans

Once picked, the coffee beans are still wrapped in the outer pulp. In order to obtain clean and high-quality coffee beans, they must be processed.

Wet processing is one of the most common and traditional methods. In wet processing, the rich red fruits are peeled and fermented for several days, during which time the pulp is broken down by microorganisms. They are then washed with water and dried or mechanically removed to remove any remaining moisture.

Another common method is dry processing, in which the berries are dried instead of fermented. Workers lay the rich red berries out in the sun to dry until the pulp falls off. Air sieves are then used to remove impurities, and the coffee beans are graded and packaged.

4. Baking: releasing aroma

Processed coffee beans do not have a unique aroma and flavor and need to be roasted to unleash their potential.

Roasters determine the best roasting degree based on the variety, origin and taste requirements of the coffee beans. They control the temperature and time to ensure that the coffee beans can release rich and charming aroma when they reach the ideal state.

5. Presentation: A glass of deliciousness

Finally, there is one important step before we can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee - brewing.

Whether using a drip filter, French press or espresso machine, we can choose the brewing method that suits our taste needs according to personal preference. The hot water comes into contact with the ground coffee beans, releasing a rich aroma and mellow taste.

A cup of delicious coffee has gone through a long and wonderful journey from the tree to our hands. Behind every cup there is countless efforts and careful care. Let us cherish this hard-earned journey of fragrance.