Morning!
🧿 Dear readers of Bir17, we’re curious—what has changed in your life from yesterday to today? Today, our topic is coffee and the journey of coffee beans. And of course, it’s just for you and only you… 🫵🏻
Do you know what’s actually inside the coffee you drink every morning—maybe even multiple times a day?
We’re not talking about the basics like coffee, milk, or ice, dear readers. We’re talking about the deeper, much deeper things… 🥛
To enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee, it must go through a journey of effort and time. Coffee trees take about three to four years after being planted to bear their first fruits, known as coffee cherries. When ripe, these cherries turn a deep red color. The harvesting process is typically done by hand, as not all cherries ripen at the same time. Once picked, they are sun-dried and then mechanically separated from their beans. This method uses less water and enhances the beans' natural sweetness.
The quality of coffee beans varies greatly depending on the region’s climate, soil composition, and farming techniques. For example, coffee grown at higher altitudes develops a more intense and complex flavor profile. Additionally, beans cultivated through organic farming methods are not only environmentally friendly but also provide a richer taste.
Before coffee reaches your cup, it undergoes six essential processes:
Drying: Freshly harvested coffee cherries are left to dry under the sun. This step reduces moisture content, preventing fermentation. The cherries are constantly monitored and turned to ensure even drying.
Hulling: Once dried, the outer husks of the cherries are removed mechanically, separating the beans inside. This step is crucial for refining the coffee and producing a purer product.
Grading: The separated beans are sorted based on size, density, and color. This classification ensures uniform roasting and maintains consistent quality.
Roasting: Roasting is where the magic happens—it’s the heat process that unlocks the beans’ aroma and flavor. The beans are roasted to light, medium, or dark levels. During roasting, the chemical composition of the beans transforms, shaping their final taste profile.
Grinding: Once roasted, the coffee beans are ground according to the brewing method. The grind size influences extraction time and flavor. Fine, medium, and coarse grinds cater to different brewing techniques like espresso, filter coffee, or French press.
Brewing: This is where coffee meets water. The interaction between water and coffee beans changes depending on the brewing method and steeping time. A well-executed brew extracts the full depth of flavors and aromas, producing a perfect cup of coffee.
Each of these stages requires expertise, as every detail influences the final taste. During roasting, the beans' chemical properties evolve, defining their unique aroma and flavor. Whether light, medium, or dark roasted, each level results in distinct taste profiles. ☕
To become a great cup of coffee, a tiny coffee cherry embarks on a long journey—just like people striving to unlock their full potential and push themselves forward. This journey transforms carefully selected beans into the perfect brew, emphasizing that coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a story of dedication, passion, and precision.
Wishing you all a wonderful day,
Bir17 Team 🧿