How a berry becomes your favourite drink
The journey from berries to coffee beans is a captivating transformation that unfolds through the careful cultivation and processing of coffee plants. It all begins with the planting and nurturing of coffee trees in tropical regions that offer the ideal climate and altitude for coffee cultivation. These plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil, often shaded by trees in agroforestry settings.
As the coffee plants mature, they produce delicate white flowers that emit a delightful jasmine-like fragrance. Once pollinated, these flowers develop into green coffee cherries. Over the course of several months, these cherries undergo a remarkable transformation in color, transitioning from green to yellow, and finally ripening into a vibrant red hue when they reach full maturity and are ready for harvesting.
The harvesting process is a crucial step in coffee production and is often labour-intensive. Depending on the farming methods employed and the specific region, coffee cherries are either carefully hand-picked by workers, ensuring only the ripest cherries are selected, or mechanically harvested. This stage requires precision to gather the cherries at the peak of ripeness, ensuring optimal flavour and quality.
After harvesting, the coffee cherries undergo processing to extract the coffee beans they contain. This can be achieved through different methods, such as the wet process or dry process, each influencing the flavour profile of the resulting coffee beans. Once extracted, the beans undergo further steps including drying, milling, and sorting before they are ready for roasting.
The final transformation occurs during roasting, where the raw coffee beans are roasted to develop the flavours and aromas that we associate with coffee. This crucial step is where the coffee beans undergo chemical changes that unlock their full potential in terms of taste and fragrance.
From the flowering coffee tree to the roasted coffee beans, each stage of this journey is a testament to the dedication and expertise of coffee farmers and producers who work tirelessly to bring us the beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the world.
