Coffee Journey: the 4 steps of production | Coffee Lounge

Everything Starts with the Coffee Plant

Everything Starts with the Coffee Plant

The coffee plant is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family and originated in sub-Saharan Africa. Coffee plants can reach between 6 and 12 meters in height but are usually kept at 2 meters on coffee plantations. Today, there are two main species, Coffea Robusta and Coffea Arabica. Coffea Arabica is the most commonly harvested coffee plant and grows well in cooler climates and higher altitudes. Coffea Robusta is more pest resistant and has a higher caffeine content. Coffee blends can include several bean types, but most roasters typically use two to four.

Time for Coffee Processing

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Time for Coffee Processing

Once coffee cherries have been picked and sorted, they must be processed immediately to ensure a high-quality roast. Dry coffee processing involves separating the cherries' fruit and bean without moisture, while wet coffee processing mechanically removes the fruit layer before drying. Various hybrid methods, like the semi-washed method, honey processing method, and anaerobic fermentation, also exist that produce nuanced flavors. The combination of bean varieties and processes creates the delicious spectrum of taste profiles in the specialty coffee scene.