From Bean to Cup
From Bean to Cup
The Journey of Coffee from Farm to Your Morning Mug with Coffee Hound Coffee Company – by Corrie Johnson
At Coffee Hound Coffee Company we believe that every cup of coffee tells a story. From the moment the coffee beans are picked to the time they are roasted, ground and brewed, the journey of coffee is an intricate and fascinating process. In this blog post we will take you through the exciting adventure of coffee, from its humble beginnings on the farm to the delightful aroma of your morning mug.
The Coffee Plant and Cherry Harvesting
The journey begins with the coffee plant, species Coffea, that produces a cherry fruit and the pit of this cherry is the coffee bean. Coffee Hound Coffee Company sources its beans from various coffee-producing regions around the world: Costa Rica, Sumutra, Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras and Brazil. Each region has unique climate conditions and farming practices that not only aligns with our sustainability goals, but contribute to the distinct flavor profiles of our carefully selected beans.
There are distinct differences in the quality and taste between the two main types of Coffee Arabica & Robusta. Arabica coffee cherries are typically harvested by hand, ensuring that only the ripest cherries are selected. This labor-intensive process requires patience and dedication, as the cherries do not ripen simultaneously. After the harvest, the cherries are sorted and the beans are extracted.
Bean Processing and Drying
There are two primary methods of processing coffee beans: the natural (dry) method and the washed (wet) method. At Coffee Hound Coffee Company we work closely with our farmers to ensure that the processing method used aligns with our quality standards and produces the desired flavor profile.
In the natural method, coffee cherries are spread out in the sun to dry, allowing the beans to ferment inside the cherry. This process results in a decomposition of the outer shell and leaves the inner pit, or bean, to be laid out for a final drying. In the washed wet method the beans are removed from the cherries using water, which initiates the separation before a ‘pulping’ process. After processing, the beans are dried in the sun or by mechanical dryers, that are used until they reach the desired moisture content.
Green Bean Selection and Export
Before the beans are shipped to Coffee Hound Coffee Company they undergo a rigorous selection process. Green coffee beans are sorted by size, density and color, only the highest quality beans making their way to our roastery. All of our coffees have been through rigorous amounts of cupping and are subjected to a strict rating/grading system. We select for coffee scoring over an 85% rating. The beans are then packed in jute or sisal bags and exported to our facility. With coffee being in the worlds top 10 traded commodities we have a wide selection of coffee to choose from to make sure your cup of coffee is the best it can be.
Coffee Roasting at Coffee Hound Coffee Company
The magic happens at our Coffee Hound Coffee Company roastery where skilled roasters transform green coffee beans into the aromatic and flavorful beans we all know and love. Roasting is an art and a science and our roasters carefully monitor temperature, time, and color to achieve the desired roast profile. Our small-batch roasting process ensures that each bean receives the attention it deserves, resulting in a consistent and high-quality product/flavor that you can depend on again and again with every cup.
Grinding and Brewing
Once the beans have been roasted to perfection, they are ground and brewed to create the delicious cup of coffee you enjoy every morning. Coffee Hound Coffee Company offers a variety of grind sizes to suit your preferred brewing method, such as drip, espresso, pour-over, or French press and more. The brewing process extracts the rich flavors and aromas from the coffee grounds, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Remember whole bean coffee is always an option if you like to grind your coffee at home. Purchasing a burr grinder is a great and affordable way to take your home coffee to the next level of quality.
From the moment the coffee cherries are harvested to the satisfying sip of your morning mug, the journey of coffee is an intricate dance of passion, dedication, and craftsmanship. When storing don’t forget in order to maintain the freshness and flavor of your coffee by storing it properly. Keep your coffee beans in an airtight, opaque container, away from direct sunlight, heat, cold and moisture. Store the container in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard, to preserve the beans’ natural oils and prevent oxidation, which can lead to stale or off-flavors.
At Coffee Hound Coffee Company, we take pride in each step of this remarkable process, ensuring that every cup of coffee we serve is a testament to the love and care that goes into its creation. Join us in celebrating the incredible journey of coffee and let the story of Coffee Hound Coffee Company’s beans awaken your senses with each and every sip.