The perfect cup of coffee can influence your entire day. Making the perfect cup of coffee is not just about what you do to turn your coffee beans into a delicious brew. It actually has a lot to do with the lifecycle of coffee. This means how coffee is produced, from the plantation, through harvesting, processing, storage, transportation to your morning cup preparation. So, read on to learn more about the lifecycle of coffee.
From plantation to cup: The life cycle of coffee
One of the key factors that affects the quality of coffee is its lifecycle. This refers to the process that the coffee goes through before it ends up in your cup. Below are critical steps of the lifecycle of coffee:
Step 1: Growing of coffee plants
The process starts with the planting of delicate coffee seedlings in large beds inside a shaded nursery. Inside the nurseries, the coffee seedlings are frequently watered and protected from bright sunlight. When they are ready to be permanently planted, the seedlings are moved to the plantation. Coffee plantations thrive in specific areas with sufficient water and not too much sunshine. Depending on the variety of coffee, it takes between two and four years for a coffee tree to bear fruits (coffee cherries). When the cherries turn dark red or purplish, they are ready for harvesting and can move to the next step.
Step 2: Harvesting
The coffee seeds are then harvested. Most planters harvest beans by hand. However, machines can also be used. The harvesting is mostly done by professionals.
Step 3: Processing
The coffee seeds are then processed. There are several methods of doing this. For instance, there is the traditional method where the seeds are dried in the sun then they are skinned and pulp removed. The company behind the processing will determine the method used. The variant also matters when choosing the processing method.
Step 4: Roasting
This is where the coffee seeds are transformed into the delicious-smelling coffee beans that we know. Large machines called coffee roasters to turn the seeds into coffee beans. The beans are then packaged and supplied.
Step 5: Making the perfect cup of coffee from the coffee beans
By this step, the coffee has already left the hands of the manufacturer and it is up to you to turn it into the perfect drink. All you have to do to make the perfect cup of coffee is:
● Grind the beans using a coffee grinder
● Use filtered water to brew the coffee
● Add milk and other accompaniments of your choice
You will need a coffee maker to make the perfect cup of coffee. Make sure you clean your coffee maker regularly for the best brew. Also, you have the freedom to experiment with different brewing methods to make your perfect cup.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the secret to a perfect cup of coffee is in the process through which the coffee is processed. From where and how the coffee seedlings are planted to when they are made into coffee beans for you to brew your cup of coffee at home, every step of the process matters.
