Brewed Coffee

Brewed Coffee: How It’s Created and Travels to a Dinner Plate

Brewed coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, and its versatility shows in the diverse array of brewing methods used. From traditional espresso machines to more home-friendly drip systems and French presses, almost anyone can find the right way to make the perfect cup of joe. But what is the process of creating the brewed coffee that ends up in our morning cups, and how does it travel from crop to plate?

Understanding the Coffee Plant

Coffee plants are small shrubs that grow mainly in the tropical areas of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and maybe most famously, the island of Hawaii. They can reach about 15 feet in height, but for regular picking and cultivation, farmers often keep them trimmed down at chest-height.

The most common beans used for brewed coffee come from two different species of plants: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans, which tend to be more expensive and popular, originate from Central and South America. These are typically thought to create a higher-quality taste and contain fewer caffeine levels, making it popular for specialty coffee drinks (like cappuccinos or lattes). Robusta beans, on the other hand, originate from Africa and Southeast Asia and have higher levels of caffeine. These are typically more affordable and tend to be used in more traditional coffee drinks (like espresso).

Harvesting and Processing the Beans

Once ripe, the red and purple coffee cherries, which each contain two coffee beans, are hand-picked or mechanically picked. Following the picking process, the coffee beans must then be processed before they can be roasted, which is essential for the flavor and behavior of the coffee beans.

Processing can either occur in the "wet" method or "dry" methods. In the wet method, which is more common in Latin America, the beans are soaked in water which helps separate the outer layer from the inner beans. In dry methods, which is more common in Ethiopia and other African countries, the beans are simply dried in the sun or in mechanical driers for about two weeks. This process removes the sticky outer layer which sloughs off when sufficiently dried, leaving the beans ready for roasting.

Roasting and Packaging the Beans

Before the beans can be ground and brewed, they must first be roasted. This is a key and unique step that dramatically alters the chemical makeup and flavor of the beans. Roasting can be done over an open flame or in a rotating drum to ensure even roasting. As the beans reach hotter temperatures, their structure breaks down, carbon dioxide is released, and their flavor becomes a fragrant, toasty aroma. Roasting also helps create the variety of colors that beans are known for, such as light, medium, or dark.

Once roasted, the beans are cooled, inspected for quality, and then packaged for sale. While whole-bean coffee is the gold standard for brewing, because it extends the life of the beans, pre-ground versions are also available. In either form, the package should say what bean is inside and where it comes from, giving consumers information about the unique flavor they’ll find in this brew.

Brewing

Now comes the part of brewing where you can experiment and explore the world of coffee in your own personal way! Whether you prefer a French press, an immersion-drip method, or your own unique concoction, the process stays relatively the same.

At the beginning of the brewing process, hot water, with a temperature between 195°F and 205°F, is used to moisten the grounds. Then as the water continues to contact the beans, solubles like acids, oils, and caffeine dissolve into the water and create a savory and delicious brewed beverage. If the temperature isn’t correct for brewing, the end product can either taste too weak or too acrid.

Once the desired extraction rate is reached (measured by strength, bitterness, and acidity level), the brew can be carried away from the machine and served to its new owner. If cream or sugar is desired, these can be added now, too.

Reaching the Dinner Plate

Once the beverage reaches the dinner table, people can choose to drink it hot or iced. It can also be made with sparkling water and served as a coffee soda. Regardless of how it's enjoyed, brewed coffee ends up on the dinner plate as a wonderfully diverse and flavourful beverage.

Conclusion

It takes a great deal of work and effort to get the perfect cup of coffee. From picking the ripe coffee cherries and processing them, to roasting and grinding them and then finally brewing them, coffee requires a special level of care. But with the right knowledge, coffee will reach its maximum potential, wonderful flavors enhanced and unique aromas released. The final result is a smooth and balanced coffee experience, sure to bring joy to the dinner table.