About Coffee

Coffee is one of the most loved and consumed beverages in the world. It has a rich history, a fascinating production process, and a wide range of flavors and brewing methods. Here’s everything you need to know about coffee:

1. What is Coffee?

Coffee is a drink made by running water through ground coffee beans. The beans are the seeds of the fruits of the Coffea plant. Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that increases alertness and energy.

2. History of Coffee

According to legend, coffee was discovered around the 9th century by an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi, who noticed that his goats became energetic after eating coffee berries. The knowledge spread via Yemen to the Middle East and later to Europe. During the 17th and 18th centuries, coffee became a popular trade product worldwide.

3. Coffee Plant and Bean Varieties

There are several types of coffee bushes, but the two most common are:

a) Arabica (Coffea Arabica)

  • Accounts for about 60-70% of world production.
  • Has a sweeter, more complex flavor with less bitterness.
  • Grows at higher altitudes (600-2000m) and requires careful cultivation.

b) Robusta (Coffea Canephora)

  • Has a stronger, more bitter taste with a higher caffeine content.
  • Often used in espressos and instant coffee.
  • Grows at lower altitudes and is less susceptible to diseases.

4. From Berry to Coffee Bean: The Production Process

a) Harvesting Coffee Berries

  • Hand-picked for high-quality beans (selective picking).
  • Machine harvested for bulk production.

b) Processing methods

  1. Washed method – The beans are fermented and washed for a clean, fresh taste.
  2. Natural method – The beans dry in their pulp, which gives a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
  3. Honey Method – A mix of the above methods, retaining some of the pulp.

c) Drying, Peeling and Sorting

  • The beans are dried until the desired moisture content is reached.
  • The beans are then peeled and sorted by size and quality.

d) Roasting (Grilling)

  • Raw green beans are roasted to develop their flavor.
  • Lighter roasts emphasise acidity and fruity notes.
  • Dark roasts produce a deeper, bitter flavor with less acidity.

5. Coffee Roasting and Flavor Profiles

Branding type

Colour

Taste

Commonly used for

Light

Light brown

Sour, fruity, floral

Filter coffee, slow brew

Medium

Medium brown

Balanced, sweet, nutty

Espresso, filter coffee

Dark

Dark brown

Bitter, chocolatey, smoky

Espresso, French Press

As a coffee roaster, you probably know how important roasting is to the final product. Do you have a preference for a certain roast or a specific bean?

6. Brewing methods

a) Espresso

  • High pressure (9 bar) forces hot water through finely ground coffee.
  • Strong, concentrated flavour with a crema layer.
  • Base for drinks such as cappuccino and latte.

b) Filter coffee (Pour Over)

  • Water is slowly poured over ground coffee in a filter.
  • Clear and complex flavour profiles.
  • Popular methods: V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave.

c) French Press

  • Ground coffee and hot water steep together (4 minutes).
  • Full body and oily texture.
  • No paper filter, which preserves oils.

d) Cold Brew

  • Coffee is steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours.
  • Soft, low acidity and refreshing taste.
  • Often served with ice cream.

e) Moka Pot (Percolator)

  • Brew strong coffee under pressure on a stove.
  • Rich flavor, similar to espresso but less intense.

f) AeroPress

  • Combines pressure and filtration for a clean and full taste.
  • Ideal for experimenting with brewing parameters.

What brewing method do you prefer to use at your roastery?

7. Coffee and Health

Coffee has several health benefits:

  • Promotes alertness through caffeine.
  • Rich in antioxidants , good for the heart.
  • May aid in fat burning by increasing metabolism.
  • May help prevent type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's with moderate consumption.

Please note: Too much caffeine can lead to nervousness and sleep problems. The recommended consumption is a maximum of 400 mg caffeine per day (about 4 cups of coffee).

8. Coffee and Tasting Notes

Coffee flavor profiles vary greatly by origin, processing, and roast:

Region

Flavor profile

Ethiopia

Floral, fruity, citrus

Colombia

Balanced, caramel, chocolate

Brazil

Nutty, low acidity, creamy

Kenya

Clear, berry, winey

Sumatra

Earthy, spicy, full-bodied

Do you work with specific coffee beans in your roastery, or do you have a favorite origin?

9. Coffee Cultures and Rituals

Coffee plays a major role in various cultures:

  • Italy – Espresso as a lifestyle, cappuccino only in the morning.
  • Turkey – Strong, unfiltered coffee with sediment.
  • Ethiopia – Traditional coffee ceremonies with freshly roasted beans.
  • Latin America – Coffee with sugar and sometimes spices such as cinnamon.
  • Scandinavia – High consumption, often light roast.

10. Trends and Innovations in Coffee

  • Specialty Coffee – High-quality, ethically sourced beans with complex flavors.
  • Sustainable Coffee – Fairtrade, organic and shade-grown coffee.
  • Nitro Cold Brew – Cold coffee with nitrogen for a creamy texture.
  • Alternative Milks – Oat, almond and soy milk are popular choices.
  • Coffee and AI – Using technology to improve roasting and brewing methods.

Conclusion

Coffee is a fascinating product with a rich history, complex flavors and countless preparation methods. Whether you prefer espresso, filter coffee or cold brew, there is always something new to discover.

Discover your coffee