How Coffee Beans Are Grown

Coffee bean growth process

Coffee beans, a widely loved beverage ingredient, undergo a complex and delicate growth process that can be divided into several key stages, including planting, picking, processing and roasting.

Planting stage

Coffee trees are a subtropical crop that has high requirements for climate and soil. Generally, coffee trees need to grow between 800 meters and 2,000 meters above sea level and are suitable for areas with an average annual temperature between 15°C and 24°C. In addition, it also requires sufficient sunlight and moderate rainfall.

When conditions are right for planting, farmers select high-quality coffee bean varieties and bury them in the soil. Over time, the beans germinate and become seedlings.

Picking stage

When the seedlings grow to a certain height (usually 1-2 years), they enter the picking stage. At this time, farmers will carefully observe the maturity of each fruit and choose the best time to pick it.

Coffee beans usually appear on the tree in the form of red or yellow berries. Farmers will peel these berries by hand or with tools and then put them into baskets. This process needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging the beans.

Processing stage

Once the coffee beans are harvested, they need to be processed before they can be eaten. First, the farmers wash the berries in a pool to remove impurities and residues.

Next comes the fermentation phase, during which the beans are placed in a specific environment to ferment. This process can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the method used and regional traditions.

After fermentation is complete, the beans are dried to remove excess water. Typically, they are laid out in the sun to dry for a few days to a few weeks.

Baking stage

The final crucial step is the roasting phase. This process makes the coffee beans more flavorful by heating them. The roasting time and temperature can be adjusted according to personal preference and coffee type.

During the roasting process, the coffee beans undergo chemical reactions that create aroma and flavor. Over time, they gradually darken and emit a "buzzing" sound to indicate that they have reached their ideal state.

Conclusion

After planting, picking, processing and roasting, we can finally taste delicious coffee. This process requires farmers to operate patiently and carefully, and needs to go through a series of complex steps. Only in this way can we enjoy the pleasure of a cup of fragrant and delicious coffee.