Coffee is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide, and its journey from farm to cup begins with the cultivation and processing of coffee beans. In this article, we will explore the fascinating process of how coffee beans are made. See over here to choose a reliable coffee beans supplier in Dubai.
Cultivation and harvesting:
Coffee beans come from the fruit of coffee trees, which are primarily grown in regions known as the “coffee belt.” These regions, located around the equator, provide the ideal climate and conditions for coffee cultivation. The two most common types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta.
Coffee trees typically take three to five years to mature and begin producing fruit. The trees are cultivated on coffee plantations, where they require adequate shade, rainfall, and well-drained soil. Once the trees mature, they bear small white flowers, which eventually develop into berries known as coffee cherries.
Processing methods:
After the coffee cherries ripen, they are harvested by hand or using mechanical methods. There are two primary processing methods used to extract the coffee beans from the cherries:
a) Wet processing: This method involves removing the outer skin and pulp of the coffee cherry using water. The cherries are sorted, and then the flesh is washed away, leaving behind the coffee beans. These beans are then fermented in water to remove any remaining residue and dried either by sun drying or mechanical drying.
b) Dry processing: In this method, the harvested cherries are spread out on large surfaces to dry under the sun. They are periodically raked to ensure even drying and prevent mold growth. Once dried, the outer skin and pulp are removed, revealing the coffee beans.
Milling and sorting:
Once the coffee beans are dry, they go through a milling process to remove any remaining layers of parchment or silverskin. This step involves hulling or polishing the beans to reveal the green coffee beans, which are then sorted based on size, shape, and density. Sorting ensures consistent quality and helps remove defective beans.
Roasting:
After sorting, the green coffee beans are ready for roasting. Roasting is a crucial step that transforms the flavor, aroma, and color of the beans. During the roasting process, the beans are exposed to high temperatures, causing them to expand and undergo chemical changes. The duration and temperature of roasting are carefully controlled to achieve the desired roast level, which can range from light to dark.
