For a lot of coffee enthusiasts, the morning brew is more than just a quick energy boost. It's a ritual, a comfort, and a connection to the world beyond our own. Coffee is one of the most beloved drinks in the world, enjoyed by millions of people every day. But do you ever stop to consider the fascinating journey of the coffee cherry from the farm to your cup? Understanding the process of how coffee goes from a simple cherry to the rich, flavourful drink in your hand is important for coffee lovers everywhere. From Central and South America, Africa, and Asia the coffee cherries travel a long and intriguing path between the carefully tended trees and the final roasting. In this article, we will delve into
THE JOURNEY OF THE COFFEE CHERRY
The coffee cherry is a fruit of a coffee plant, which grows in warm and tropical regions around the world. Inside each coffee cherry there are two seeds that we recognize as coffee beans.
First the cherries are picked by machine or by hand when they are bright red and ripe, which is usually between October and March, depending on the location. During this phase, the cherries are carefully sorted to separate the ripe from the unripe, as well as any damaged fruit. This process is crucial as it has a major impact on the flavour of the final coffee, as it depends on the quality of the cherries.
Once the cherries have been sorted, they are then processed. The coffee cherry goes through one of three main processing techniques, each of which influences the sweetness, body, and acidity of the resulting coffee. These methods include natural processing, washed processing, and honey processing.
The natural processing, also known as dry process, involves laying the cherries out in the sun to dry. As they dry, the cherries will shrink and the bean inside will become more concentrated, leading to a bold, fruity flavour.
On the other hand, the washed processing, also known as wet process, involves removing the outer layer of the cherry and washing the beans to remove any remaining fruit. The beans are then dried, either in the sun or using mechanical dryers. This method produces a clean, bright flavour, and is often used for high-quality specialty coffees.
Honey processing is a unique method of coffee processing that involves removing the outer layer of the coffee cherry (the pulp) to reveal the mucilage, a sticky, sugary layer that surrounds the coffee bean. This layer is left to dry on the bean, resulting in a coffee that is often referred to as "honey processed." This coffee offers a unique flavour profile that is somewhere in between washed and natural processed coffee. It is known for having a sweet, fruit-forward taste with a full body, making it a popular choice for coffee lovers who enjoy a sweeter, more nuanced cup.
Once the coffee beans are extracted, they are cleaned and sorted by size and quality. They are then shipped to coffee roasters around the world. The coffee roasters are the ones who give the beans their unique flavour and aroma by selecting the right roast profile for each coffee variety. Coffee roasting is both an art and a science, and the right roast profile will depend on the coffee variety, the origin of the coffee, and the desired taste.
After roasting, the coffee beans are packaged and shipped to coffee shops, grocery stores or end customers. This is where the final step of the journey takes place - brewing. The coffee is brewed using various methods, such as espresso, French press, and pour over, to extract the flavours and aromas from the coffee beans.
Each of these phases plays a critical role in determining the final taste and quality of the coffee. From the time the cherries are harvested, to the processing and roasting, every detail is considered to ensure that each cup of coffee is a delicious and satisfying experience for the consumer. Whether you are a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a curious beginner, learning about the journey of the coffee cherry from the farm to your cup is a fascinating adventure in the world of specialty coffee.
From the coffee farmers who tend the trees to the coffee roasters who carefully select the right roast profile, everyone involved in this process is dedicated to ensuring that the coffee you drink is the best it can be. So the next time you take a sip of your morning coffee, take a moment to think about the journey it took to get there.