Coffee bean processing: from picking to roasting

Picking coffee beans

The coffee bean processing begins with picking. It is very important to choose the right time to pick, because only coffee cherries with moderate maturity can produce high-quality coffee beans. Generally speaking, when the coffee cherries turn red and fall easily, it is the best time to pick.

To ensure quality and efficiency, many farms use manual or mechanical picking. Manual picking is usually used for high-quality and special types of coffee beans because it can more accurately select fruits with moderate maturity and reduce the risk of damage to the plants. Mechanized picking is more suitable for large-scale planting and commercial production.

Peeling, fermentation and washing

Once the picking phase is complete, the next step is the peeling, fermentation and washing process. This step is designed to separate the outer pulp from the inner coffee bean and improve its taste through the fermentation process.

First, the outer pulp of the coffee fruit is removed by a peeling machine or by hand. The remaining coffee beans are then fermented in a fermentation tank. The length of fermentation depends on the desired taste and flavor characteristics.

After fermentation is complete, the coffee beans need to be washed to remove residue and unwanted matter. This can be done by soaking in water or using mechanical washing equipment.

Drying and baking

After washing, the coffee beans need to be dried to reduce their moisture content and prepare for roasting.

Traditionally, coffee beans are spread out in the sun to dry naturally. This process can take days or even weeks to completely dry. However, in modern processing, there are also methods that use mechanical equipment for faster drying.

The final step is the roasting process, which is crucial because it has a significant impact on the final taste and flavor of the coffee.

Packaging and storage

Once roasted, the coffee beans need to be packaged and stored. This is to preserve their freshness and quality.

Common packaging methods include using sealed bags, jars or vacuum packaging. These methods can effectively prevent the effects of oxygen, moisture and light on coffee beans.

Coffee beans can stay fresh longer under the right storage conditions. The best storage conditions are to keep them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.

Conclusion

From picking to roasting, each step has an important impact on the final taste and flavor of the coffee. Only high-quality coffee beans that have been carefully processed and properly preserved can bring us a delicious and rich glass of champagne.