The journey of coffee cherries: from fruit to aromatic coffee beans

The journey of coffee cherries: from fruit to aromatic coffee beans

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, yet little is known about how it’s made. In this article, we’ll explore the journey of the coffee cherry from ripe fruit to the fragrant, flavorful bean.

1. Coffee trees and berries

First, let's learn a little about the coffee tree and the fruit it produces. The coffee tree belongs to a family of plants that scientists call Malvaceae. These trees usually grow at high altitudes, such as in mountains or high plateaus.

When fully ripe, a typical coffee fruit is about 1-2 cm in size and appears red or yellow in appearance. Each ripe fruit contains two small beans (which we often call "coffee beans").

2. Harvesting and processing

Once it is decided that it is time to pick, farmers begin collecting the coffee cherries that are at the best maturity and bright color. This process is usually done by hand because it is difficult for machines to distinguish between ripe and unripe cherries.

Once picked, the coffee cherries are sent to the processing plant for processing. First, farmers will wash the cherries and remove the outer pulp and mucilage. This process is usually done by soaking in water or using mechanical equipment.

3. Peeling and fermentation

Next, the coffee beans need to have their outer skins removed. There are two main ways to achieve this: dry and wet.

Dry processing involves laying out the whole coffee cherry in the sun to dry, turning it regularly to ensure even exposure. When the pulp is completely dry, farmers can easily peel it off the bean.

Wet processing involves fermenting the mucilage-containing coffee beans in water. The fermentation process helps remove the mucilage remaining on the beans and also provides conditions for the final production of better-tasting, higher-quality coffee.

4. Drying and baking

Once the beans are peeled and fermented, they need to be dried. This process is usually done in the sun to ensure that the beans are completely dry. Farmers will spread the beans on large platforms and turn them regularly to ensure even exposure.

The final critical step is roasting, a process that heats the green coffee beans to high temperatures, changing their internal chemical composition and producing the aroma and flavor we love.

5. Grinding and Brewing

Once the coffee beans have been roasted, they are ready to be used to make delicious coffee. First, the coffee beans need to be ground in a specially designed coffee machine or a manual grinder.

Next, after choosing the appropriate brewing method, you can use equipment such as filter paper, French press, espresso pot, etc. to create the taste concentration and flavor characteristics you like.

in conclusion

From fruit to aromatic coffee beans, the coffee making process is a complex and delicate process. Each step has an important impact on the final taste and quality. Understanding this process can help us appreciate and enjoy the delicious taste of a cup of aromatic coffee.