Coffee Harvesting and Processing
Coffee Harvesting and Processing
The berries are typically harvested by a machine or picked by hand. In order to get the
beans out, the fruit of the berry needs to be removed and after that the beans need to
be processed. There are only two known ways of processing coffee beans - dry
processing, which is an older technique and wet processing, which is a more modern
technique.
Dry processing is the oldest method of processing coffee beans. The beans are placed
in the sun and left to dry for around two weeks while being turned from time to time so
they can dry evenly. Wet processing is a modern method of processing coffee beans
and it takes place soon after the harvest. This process consists of bean washing and
bean fermentation. During this process the pulp that is left on the beans will become
softer and the pulp be rinsed off. Today, this method of processing coffee beans is used
more frequently since it prevents damage to the beans. When the processing is done,
the beans are sorted. All of the bad beans are thrown out and the good ones are put in
bags and shipped. At this point they are called “green coffee beans.” However, it isn’t all
done yet. Now comes the final part - roasting!
Roasting coffee
Roasting is essential and the final step in coffee production. It requires the perfect
timing and setting of temperature to provide the perfect product. While the beans roast,
they will split and their coating will be released. How strong the coffee’s flavor is
depends greatly on the bean roasting formula. For example, the longer the beans roast
the more intense the flavor will be. Ironically, it is assumed the stronger the flavor, the
more caffeine. However it is actually the opposite which is true. The longer the coffee
beans roast, the more the chemical, caffeine, is removed. You can buy your beans
already roasted, but for the freshest experience, many people prefer to roast their own
beans at home.
Keep in mind the name of a line of coffee beans, such as Breakfast Blend, can differ
from one company to another. This is due because many use different roasting
temperatures and times prepare a particular batch. Roasting beans even for a few
minutes longer or shorter can alter the flavor of the entire batch.
harvested. Most berries are handpicked, but in some places it’s done by
machine. Often only ripe berries are selectively picked, but usually entire
STEP3: The outer covering and pulpy fruit are removed from the berry,
STEP4: ROASTING
Roasting changes green coffee into brown beans – those you’re used to
seeing in coffee shops or at your favorite coffee roasters. By applying
heat, green coffee will transform into fragile, easily opened packets of
flavor. Roasting uses temperatures of 290 Deg C and during the process;
beans are turned continuously to prevent burning.
STEP5: PACKAGING
The packaging of any coffee, roasted or ground is especially important as
exposing coffee to air poses quality issues, especially for ground coffee.
Beans are put into cool, dark, dry, airtight containers.
STEP6: SHIPPING
STEP7:
Beans will be ground into a specific fineness, whether by hand or
machine.
STEP8:
Enjoy your coffee.