Dive into the intricacies of coffee harvesting, compare the dry and wet processing methods, and explore the essential drying and milling processes.
The journey from coffee cherries to your cup is a meticulous process that begins with harvesting. There are two primary methods for harvesting coffee cherries: picking and stripping.
Picking. Picking involves selectively harvesting ripe cherries by hand, ensuring only the best beans make it to your cup.
Stripping. Stripping involves mechanically stripping cherries from the branches, requiring additional sorting.
Following the harvest, coffee cherries undergo either dry or wet processing.
Dry Processing. Dry processing, also known as the natural method, involves drying the cherries with the beans inside, infusing unique fruity notes into the beans.
Wet Processing. Wet processing, in contrast, consists of pulping the cherries, fermenting them, and washing them before drying.
Drying and Milling. Drying and milling are the final stages in the processing journey. Proper drying is essential to prevent mould and off-flavours. Milling involves removing the parchment and husk from the dried beans, leaving them ready for roasting.
Harvesting Coffee Beans and Processing Methods
