Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved beverages, and its flavor, richness, and aroma make it an experience like no other. From the lush hillsides of South America to the tropical climates of East Africa, there are stunning coffee origins with secrets behind every cup. Discover more about your favorite brews and appreciate your morning cup of joe like never before.
Learn About the Coffee Growing Process.
Coffee beans may look simple, but the process of growing them is anything but. Each bean carefully goes through a unique process that starts with carefully selecting the right seeds and soil in the ideal climate, nurturing the soil and plants, hand-picking the coffee cherries at peak ripeness, and finally preparing each bean to bring out its best flavor. Understanding this process will give you a whole new appreciation for your morning cup of joe.
Coffee production begins with carefully selecting the right seeds to ensure only the best beans are grown. For example, Arabica coffee is more desired than Robusta because it has less caffeine and more flavor compounds. After choosing the right seed, the soil and climate must be carefully selected in order to provide just the right mix of temperature and humidity for the best results. Nutrient-rich soil is essential for robust plants that produce quality beans. Once these conditions are met, farmers nurture the soil and plants with fertilizer and mulching.When cherry harvesting time arrives, workers handpick each cherry at peak ripeness which can depend on variety and growing location. And depending on how farmers choose to process their beans, they may end up using natural processing or mechanically washed coffees. Both processes have their advantages so it depends on what flavor profile farmers (or roasters) prefer to create. The result is unique, flavorful beans that can be enjoyed as espresso shots or creamy cappuccinos!
Examine the Unique Flavors of Your Choice Beans and Region of Origin.
Every region and its soil has a unique flavor to offer. Take time to get to know the source of your favorite coffee beans. Learn what flavors are characteristic of certain regions such as caffeinated brightness from Ethiopia or earthy sweetness from Colombia. These subtle notes in each cup will make you an expert at savoring your mornings with every sip.
The best way to get to know the flavors of each origin is to try them. Start a journey of discovery into the nuances of light, floral flavors and smooth body of Latin American beans or the cocoa, winy notes typical of African coffees. Don’t forget to consider if you’d like your cup bold and dry like an East African bean or soft and nutty like those from India. Then when you’ve landed on your favorite region, it will be easier to determine the source beans that make up your perfect cup.
Consider Sustainable Coffee Production and Processing Methods.
When evaluating the source of your coffee, be mindful of the production and processing methods used. Sustainable sourcing ensures that coffee is harvested in a way that respects environmental and social values. Lower temperature roasting preserves the flavors native to each region and brings out bright, sweet and fruity tones in your cup.
Companies like Miir are taking sourcing literally, traveling to origin countries and connecting with farmers directly. They ensure that the coffee is sourced from reputable farms and follow responsible production methods that prioritize people and planet over profit, while promoting economic growth in the communities they serve. With convenient subscriptions, you can have sustainable, delicious coffee delivered to your doorstep.
Take a Trip to Visit and Taste Coffees from Around the World.
Taking the time to visit coffee producing origins can be an incredibly informative experience. From Brazil to Nicaragua, each region has its own unique flavor profile resulting from the quality of soil, altitude and climate conditions — not to mention local knowledge and tradition. As part of any trip to explore a new origin, it’s important to taste as many coffees as possible in order to really get a sense of what the area has to offer. Visiting farms or mills is also a great way to meet individual producers and farmers, who can share their stories of how they each make their product with you firsthand.
Of course, many trips to new coffee origins require time and budget constraints. But there are still plenty of ways for coffee growers and buyers to explore different parts of the world closer to home. The World Coffee Research Genebank in Tennessee is an incredible resource, offering visitors the chance to visit a collection of nearly 800 varieties of coffee plants from all around the globe. There’s also a searchable database with detailed data like region-specific flavor notes, growing characteristics and plant structure info that allow customers to compare different types of coffees they can buy directly from the source — wherever they may be in the world.
Try Roasting Different Types to Create a Signature Blend.
Once you’ve discovered your favorite coffee origins, it’s time to experiment with roasting. Different types of coffees can be blended together to create a signature blend, enhancing the quality and flavor of each cup. It is important to consider which roast will best resonate with customers before committing to a certain combination. Light roasts tend to bring out more of the origin’s unique flavors while dark roasted beans can create a bolder and heavier-bodied cup of coffee. Experimentation is key!
Additionally, roasting and blending coffees together will bring out unique flavors. Blend a light roast coffee with a dark roast coffee to create something that is both complex in flavor and satisfying. Coffee blends can be used as signature items for cafes or business as they offer greater complexity and value to the customer. Roasting different types of coffee and creating unique blends is an excellent way to explore the world of coffees while finding something that resonates with your customers.
