Coffee beans: Focus on the world of beans

The origin of coffee beans

Coffee beans are seeds from the coffee tree, and they are widely used to make coffee drinks. According to archaeologists, the earliest record of using coffee beans to make drinks can be traced back to Ethiopia in the 15th century BC. At that time, people mixed ground coffee beans with water and drank it, and this drink soon spread to the Arab region.

Different types of coffee beans

The two main types commonly found on the market today are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is one of the most common and popular varieties, and it has a lower bitterness and higher aroma. Robusta, on the other hand, has a stronger and bitter taste and contains more caffeine.

From farm to consumer

In the production process, farmers first choose areas with suitable cultivation conditions and high-quality characteristics (such as altitude, soil quality, etc.) to establish their own coffee gardens. Coffee trees usually take about 3-4 years to start bearing fruit, and then produce a harvest every year. Farmers regularly check the maturity of coffee cherries and pick them when it is appropriate.

Processing and baking

Once picked, the coffee beans need to go through a processing process to remove the outer skin and pulp. This process can be done through either the dry or wet process. The dry method is to place the whole coffee cherry in the sun to dry, while the wet method is to wash the pulp first and then soak it in water to remove the outer layer.

After processing, the coffee beans are sent to the roasting plant for roasting. Different degrees of roasting will bring different flavor characteristics to the coffee beans. Light roasting usually retains more original flavors and has acidity and floral aromas; medium roasting is more balanced and has a smooth taste; deep roasting makes the beans more bitter and exudes a rich chocolate or nutty aroma.

Save and use

To preserve the freshness and flavor of coffee beans, it is best to store them in a dry, cool place and avoid exposure to sunlight or moisture. Coffee beans are usually sold whole or ground.

When you want to make coffee, you can choose to grind the whole coffee beans into a suitable particle size. Different particle sizes are suitable for different types of coffee making methods, such as fine particles are suitable for espresso machines, while coarser particles are more suitable for drip brewing.

Conclusion

From origin to processing to use, each step has a significant impact on the final quality. By understanding and appreciating the differences between different types and processing methods, we can better enjoy this delightful and diverse beverage.