How Coffee Is Made: Uncovering the Process Behind Your Cup

Ever wondered how long it takes to make coffee? Each warm, rich sip is the result of a journey from planting to brewing. This process involves the hard work of many dedicated people, ensuring you enjoy a quality cup of coffee every day.

Check out this article to understand how coffee is made, from processing to selecting the finest beans. But first, let’s explore what coffee processing entails.

What Is Coffee Processing?

Coffee processing is a crucial stage. From here, the coffee beans’ flavor, aroma, and final quality are determined. This process starts from picking coffee beans to packaging products ready to be sold globally.

So, why is coffee processing important? It involves separating the coffee beans from layers like skin, pulp, and mucus. This step also ensures the beans are fully dried, making them ready for the next stage of processing.

Besides involving expertise, coffee processing generally involves centuries of tradition passed down by coffee farmers worldwide!

Also read: How to Start A Coffee Roasting Business: Step-by-Step Guide

Coffee Processing Methods

Various coffee processing methods exist. In fact, they also give each coffee bean produced a unique flavor profile. Let’s explore the primary coffee processing methods: natural, washed, honey, and wet-hulled processing!

1. Natural Processing

Natural processing or dry processing is the oldest coffee processing method globally. Here, you’ll dry the coffee flesh and seeds under direct sunlight.

Although the process takes a long time, between two and four weeks, the results are well worth it as it creates a sweet and complex coffee.

Since this method relies heavily on the weather, you’ll need to be careful not to let the coffee cherries spoil or contaminate the surrounding air.

Also read: The Art of Natural Coffee Processing

2. Washed Processing

Washed or wet processing is considered a more modern method than natural processing. Farmers will wash the coffee cherries to separate the beans from the pulp and ensure all the mucus is washed away.

After that, these coffee beans will ferment for 12-48 hours until they are entirely free of mucus before being dried. This method creates a coffee with a clean, light flavor and high acidity!

3. Honey Processing

Next up is the honey processing method, which combines natural and washed techniques. Some of the natural mucilage is left on the coffee beans during drying. As a result, your coffee beans have a naturally sweet flavor.

The term honey itself does not come from using the honey element but refers to the sticky texture of the mucilage attached to the coffee beans. Generally, these beans have a thicker texture with a hint of caramel or soft brown sugar.

4. Wet-Hulled Processing

The last method, the primary technique, is wet-hulled, a processing technique for coffee beans from Sumatra.

With this method, the processor will peel the skin of the coffee fruit in a wet state. After that, it will be dried briefly before further peeling.

When utilizing the wet-hulled processing method, coffee beans are created with an earthy, intense flavor, and the acid level tends to be low. This processing method can be used for Mandheling, Gayo, or Lintong coffees, each with its own unique flavor!

Also read: Understanding the Methods: Natural Processed Coffee vs Honey Processed Coffees

What Happens After Coffee Processing?

After processing, they must go through the following stages before they become ready to brew coffee!

1. Grading and Sorting

Each coffee bean will be classified based on size, shape, and quality. This way, they can ensure that only the best beans are sold in the global coffee market.

2. Packaging

Coffee that has gone through the grading process will be carefully packaged. This is important because it helps maintain freshness and prevents oxidation. Using airtight packaging is the perfect solution!

3. Distribution

Finally, the beans are distributed to various markets, from local roasters to international coffee exporters. This way, your coffee can be enjoyed by anyone around the world!

Also read: Indonesian Robusta Coffee Grading: EK1, Grade 1, AP, ELB, and BC

The Stages of Coffee Making

We must remember the essential stages when learning how coffee is made. Each of them affects the final aroma and flavor of the coffee!

1. Bean Growth

Generally, coffee trees are intentionally planted at high altitudes in certain tropical regions. These trees must be cared for, especially in order to produce quality coffee cherries.

It is also essential to understand that soil type, climate and altitude play a significant role in determining the final flavor of the coffee!

2. Harvesting

Second is the process of harvesting coffee cherries. This picking is generally done manually to maintain the quality and maturity of the coffee fruit. Choose coffee cherries that are fully ripe as they contain the most optimal amount of sugar, dramatically affecting the final taste of the coffee.

3. Processing

Next, separate the coffee beans from the fruit. This stage is also crucial as it affects the flavor profile of the coffee at the end of processing.

4. Roasting

Here, the raw coffee beans are roasted into ready-to-brew coffee beans. Roasting requires not only exceptional skills but also roasting to the right level. From light roast to dark roast, each of them gives each other a different aroma and final taste!

5. Brewing

The last learning stage is brewing, where the ground-roasted coffee beans are mixed with hot water until an aromatic coffee extraction is achieved.

Various brewing techniques are available, such as pour-over, French Press, and Espresso, all of which affect the final flavor of your coffee!

Also read: What Is A Roast Profile: All You Need To Know

Find The Right Beans For Your Coffee

After understanding the guide on how coffee is made, we should also enter the tips on choosing coffee beans that suit your taste. Let’s review them together!

1. Know the Origin

Every coffee exporter produces coffee with a unique flavor. It’s best to choose countries that are dominant in coffee according to your taste. For example, buy Sumatran coffee if you want an intense flavor.

2. Pay Attention to the Processing Process

Then, process it using the proper method. This is very important when creating coffee beans that suit our palate preferences.

The natural processing method effectively produces coffee that tastes sweet and fruity. Meanwhile, washed processing is known for offering clean and slightly acidic flavors.

3. Choose the Right Roasting Level

Finally, choose the right roasting level to produce coffee with the desired aroma and flavor. For a mild and acidic flavor, choose the light roast level. On the other hand, you can select dark roast for a stronger and bolder flavor.

Also read: How to Roast Coffee Beans at Home: A Complete Guide

From Bean to Cup: Enjoy the Coffee Journey

Have you learned how coffee is made? After a long and dedicated process, a delicious and aromatic cup of coffee is ready for you to enjoy!

By understanding this journey, you will not only appreciate your cup of coffee, but you will also be able to choose the best beans more wisely.

Please support our local farmers by purchasing premium Indonesian beans at FnB Coffee. We provide a comprehensive list of coffee types that you can choose from, ranging from Arabica to Robusta.

Still trying to understand your choice? Try browsing our best-seller coffees over the years. What are you waiting for? Order the best coffee varieties you’ve been dreaming of and enjoy a cup of coffee with a flavor you’ll never forget!