How Coffee Is Made: From Bean To Cup

The journey a single, little coffee bean takes from initial planting, to an aromatic and caffeinated cup of joe is no small venture. The process has been perfected over the years and continues to evolve to enhance the drink that so many of us enjoy worldwide. Grizzee Coffee invites you on the journey each and every bean travels through to make it to your doorstep, ready for brewing and your enjoyment! Understanding this process not only deepens our appreciation for this delicious beverage but also highlights the labor and expertise that go into producing each cup.

The journey begins with the cultivation of coffee plants, primarily in tropical regions around the equator, known as the Coffee Belt. Countries like Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam are among the largest coffee producers. You can view our Farms Page to see just where our own coffee comes from. Coffee plants thrive in these regions due to their ideal combination of altitude, climate, and soil conditions. The two most common species of coffee cultivated are Arabica and Robusta, each with distinct characteristics. Arabica beans are known for their smooth, complex flavors, while Robusta beans are stronger and more bitter, often used in espresso blends.

After planting, it takes about three to four years for coffee trees to bear fruit, known as coffee cherries. These cherries undergo a meticulous harvesting process, often done by hand to ensure only the ripe ones are picked. In some regions, mechanical harvesting is used, but hand-picking remains prevalent, especially for high-quality Arabica beans. Once harvested, the cherries are processed to extract the beans. There are two primary methods of processing: the dry method and the wet method. The dry method involves spreading the cherries out in the sun to dry, while the wet method involves pulping the cherries and fermenting the beans to remove the mucilage.

Following processing, the beans, now referred to as green coffee beans, are dried to reduce their moisture content to about 9-13%. This drying process is crucial as it affects the quality and storage life of the beans. Once dried, the beans are hulled to remove the parchment layer and polished to remove any remaining skin. The beans are then graded and sorted based on size, weight, and color. High-quality beans are exported to roasters like ourselves, while lower-grade beans might be used for instant coffee and other products.

Roasting is a pivotal stage that transforms green coffee beans into the aromatic brown beans ready for brewing, thats where we come into play. Roasters carefully control the temperature and duration of roasting to develop the desired flavor profile. Light roasts preserve the bean's original flavors, medium roasts balance acidity and body, while dark roasts bring out bold, robust flavors. After roasting, the beans are quickly cooled and then packaged either whole bean or ground direct to our consumers. Grizzee flavored roasts have an additional step where we lightly infuse the beans post roast to add that extra flavor, while preserving the quality of the coffee.

Finally, the journey concludes in your kitchen, café, or coffee shop, where the beans are brewed into a delightful cup of coffee. Whether you prefer a simple drip brew, an espresso, or a pour-over, the method of brewing also plays a crucial role in the final taste. You can read our blog post on the difference in drip brew from espresso here. From the careful cultivation and harvesting to the precise roasting and brewing, each cup of coffee represents a culmination of dedication and craftsmanship. So, the next time you savor your morning coffee, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable journey it has undertaken to reach your cup.

Check out our video to see the process first hand! If you’re thirsty for great coffee after taking this journey, we’re happy to serve you.

Try Grizzee Coffee!