Coffee bean growth and harvesting process

Coffee bean growth process

Coffee beans are seeds produced by coffee trees, which go through a series of growth processes before they can mature and be picked. First, coffee trees need suitable climate conditions and soil environment to grow healthily. Generally speaking, high altitude areas, warm and humid climates, and soils rich in organic matter and nutrients are the most suitable conditions for coffee trees to grow.

When the coffee tree begins to sprout, the seedling will burst out from the seed and quickly grow into a small seedling within a few months. During this stage, sufficient sunlight and water are needed to promote the accumulation of nutrients in the plant.

Fruit formation and development

Over time, the sapling will develop more leaves and begin to produce flowers and fruits. Under the right conditions, coffee trees can produce white or deep red flowers several times a year, followed by fruits a few weeks later.

The berries are initially green, turning red or yellow over the next few months. The outer layer of the berries is a thin, hard skin that encloses two coffee beans. When the berries are fully ripe, they fall from the tree or are picked.

Coffee bean picking

Coffee beans are usually picked by hand, as mechanized harvesting can damage trees and unripe fruits. Farmers carefully choose the right time and method to pick coffee beans when the harvest season arrives each year.

They use special baskets or bags to cut the ripe coffee cherries and ensure that only the best quality, most complete and full-colored cherries are selected. This ensures high-quality and good-tasting coffee beans in the subsequent processing.

Processing and handling

Once the picking is complete, the farmers will take the coffee cherries back to the processing plant for processing. First, they will remove the outer skin and expose the two coffee beans (also known as "seeds") inside.

Next, the beans are washed and screened to remove impurities and incomplete beans. They are then left to dry in the sun or mechanically roasted to speed up the drying process.

Finally, the coffee beans are sorted, graded, and packaged, ready to be sold to consumers around the world. This process requires strict quality control measures to ensure that every coffee bean meets quality standards.

Conclusion

From the growth of coffee trees to the ripening of fruits to the picking and processing, the whole process is a difficult and complicated process. Only through the correct growth environment, scientific management and careful processing can high-quality coffee beans be produced.

For coffee lovers, while enjoying the delicious drink, they should also thank the farmers who work silently behind the scenes.