The Plant
Coffee is grown as a tree, which resembles a camellia bush with jasmine-like
blooms. In the wild, the evergreen Arabica plant grows up to 20 feet,
however, when cultivated is pruned to approximately 6 feet to maximize its
yield and to make harvest easier.
The Fruit
The tiny coffee berries form in clusters at the base of the leaves of the
tree, and take half a year or more to mature before harvest. When ripe the
so-called "cherries" are picked and processed by either the wet or dry
method.
The Bean
Within each "cherry" there are typically two coffee beans nestled flat sides
together protected by the skin and pulp of the fruit. It is the process of
gently extracting the beans from the remainder of the fruit that is defined
as being "wet" or "dry."
The Journey of the Green Bean
The green bean, once it has been dried out, is put into barrels and shipped
to a roaster or a bean broker. Green beans may be stored for a year without
losing quality.
The Roasting Process
A large-scale roaster (or even a small portable home roaster) may be used to
roast the green beans so that they may be brewed. Before roasting green
beans are typically greenish-brown and have a somewhat grassy smell.
Roasting causes many complex chemical reactions occur.
The Brewing Process
To learn more about the specifics of the proper way to brew, and
consequently, to taste the true flavor of your favorite coffee, refer to
Brewing Great Coffee Every time.
Freshness
Coffee Club
History Of Coffee
Learn About Coffee
Brew Great Coffee
