All about coffee
All about coffee: From plant to cup
Coffee is much more than the drink, be it espresso or filter. The coffee process begins with the cherry on a plant at origin. Let's uncover the secrets that transform the bean of this cherry into coffee and into unique sensory experiences in the cup.
The Origin: The Cradle of Specialty Coffee
It all starts with where it is grown. The coffee plant, known as Coffea, flourishes in tropical and subtropical regions.
Specialty coffee production is concentrated in various regions around the world, each known for its unique soil characteristics, climate and cultivation methods.
Main specialty producing countries:
Ethiopia: Often considered the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia is famous for its high-quality Arabica coffees with a wide variety of flavor profiles.
Colombia: Known for its smooth and balanced profiles, Colombia is one of the largest producers of high-quality Arabica coffee.
Brazil: As the world's largest coffee producer, Brazil also produces a significant amount of specialty coffee, especially in regions such as Minas Gerais and Bahia.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica is known for washed Arabica coffees, which often exhibit bright flavors and balanced acidity.
Panama: Panama is a famous producer of the Geisha variety, which often has floral, fruity and citrus flavor profiles, with bright acidity and a delicate body.
Kenya: Kenyan coffees, usually grown at high altitudes, are known for their bright acidity and fruity notes.
Ecuador: Although it produces less compared to other South American countries, Ecuadorian specialty coffee has gained recognition for its quality.
Honduras: With a growing production of high-quality coffee, Honduras already has a significant presence in the specialty coffee market.
Guatemala: Guatemala is famous for high-altitude arabica coffees, often displaying notes of chocolate, fruit and a vibrant acidity.
Mexico: Mexico produces specialty coffee in different regions, with flavors that vary according to altitude and local climatic conditions.
We note that this list is not exhaustive, and other countries also play a role in the production of specialty coffee. The quality of the coffee is often linked to specific agricultural practices, the characteristics of the terroir and the varieties grown in each region.
Coffee Varieties: An Aromatic Diversity
Within the Coffea family, several varieties of coffee coexist, each with unique characteristics. From Arabica, appreciated for its complexity and acidity, to Robusta, known for its intensity and body, each variety contributes to the richness of flavors found in specialty coffees.
Want to know more about varieties? Talk to abcoffee.
Sustainable Cultivation: The Importance of Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability is a key word in the world of specialty coffee. Dedicated farmers adopt ecological practices, avoiding harmful pesticides and opting for harvesting methods that respect the environment. This concern for sustainability not only preserves the planet, but also results in purer, more authentic coffees.
This focus, however, doesn't always translate into sustainability labels. We'll soon be publishing another article on this subject.
From Harvest to Drying: The Artisanal Process
Harvesting is a crucial time, when farmers carefully select the ripe fruit. In specialty coffee, this harvest is done by hand, ensuring that all the cherries are ripe and reducing the likelihood of picking up other elements (such as sticks or stones).
After harvesting, the beans go through a pulping and fermentation process, where the pulp is removed and the beans are dried. There are multiple methods of pulping and fermentation, some of which are more prevalent in certain regions, and which will give different flavor profiles.
After this process, the coffee is ready to be sold to roasters.
Roasting: The Transformation of Green Grains into Aromatic Works of Art
Roasting is the turning point where the green grain reveals its potential.
Each roaster defines the best roasting profile for the grain in question. The roast profile influences acidity, body and aromas. The art of roasting lies in highlighting the distinct characteristics of each lot, creating a sensory palette that captivates the coffee consumer.
Grinding: The Secret Behind Perfect Extraction
Proper grinding is essential for perfect extraction.
Each preparation method requires a specific grind, from fine espresso powder until coarse grinding for filter methods. Precise grinding guarantees uniform extraction and the full revelation of the coffee's flavors and potential.
Preparation and Service: The Specialty Cup at its Best
The purpose of a barista is to present the cup of coffee that celebrates all the hard work from planting to roasting.
The meticulous preparation, be it a full-bodied espresso or a delicate V60, aims to provide a sensory experience that respects and highlights the unique characteristics of the beans.
Conclusion
From the crop to the cup, every step on the coffee journey is an invitation to explore and appreciate the complexity and diversity of this unique drink. When we opt for specialty coffee, we are not only enjoying a drink, but also celebrating a narrative of dedication, passion and sustainability.
By unraveling the mystery of specialty coffee, we open the door to a vast world of aromas and flavors that deserve to be explored.
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