The coffee bean process: from plant to roasting, a comprehensive analysis

The coffee bean process: from plant to roast

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and coffee beans are the key ingredient in making coffee. But have you ever wondered how these fragrant coffee beans are made? Below we will analyze the entire process from plant to roasting.

Seed germination and seedling growth

A coffee bean first needs to germinate in a suitable environment. When farmers peel off the outer layer of the fruit (called the "husk") that has matured, the seeds are exposed to the air. Next, the seeds are placed in a warm, humid, and well-ventilated place to germinate.

After a few weeks, the seeds begin to germinate and form a small, fragile seedling. At this time, farmers will transplant these seedlings into nursery beds or directly into the field. To ensure good growing conditions, the soil must be rich in nutrients, well-drained, and provide appropriate amounts of sunlight.

Coffee tree growth and fruit formation

After a few months of growth, the seedlings will gradually develop into coffee trees. It usually takes several years for coffee trees to start bearing fruit. During this period, farmers need to regularly prune, fertilize and irrigate the coffee trees.

When the weather conditions are right, coffee trees will flower and produce berries. These berries are initially green and gradually turn red over time. Farmers usually choose to pick the berries when they are fully ripe.

Picking and processing

Once farmers determine the best time to pick, they begin collecting the ripe coffee cherries by hand or mechanically. Since each cherries contains only two beans (called "seeds"), the harvesting process is time-consuming and laborious.

Next comes the processing stage, during which farmers separate the beans from the harvested fruit and wash them to remove the outer mucilaginous substance (called "pulp"). There are two main processing methods: dry and wet.

The dry process involves drying the coffee cherries in the sun to evaporate the moisture inside the beans, while the wet process involves soaking the cherries in water and then removing the pulp through mechanical force or natural fermentation.

Coffee Bean Roasting

Once the beans are cleaned and depulped, they are then roasted, a process in which farmers select the appropriate temperature and time based on the desired taste and flavor profile.

During the roasting process, coffee beans undergo chemical reactions that produce aroma and flavor. Over time, under high temperatures, the originally green or dark red coffee beans gradually turn brown and a layer of oil forms on the surface.

Conclusion

From plant to roasting, the whole process is long and complicated. Each link has an important impact on the quality of the final product. Only coffee beans that have been carefully planted, maintained, picked, processed and roasted can become the fragrant coffee we love.