Jeff Coppage

Brazil Branca

Fresh roasted is good but sometimes the coffee can take a few days or a week or so to reach a premium taste. It’s hard to say. The only way to find out is to drink it and find out!

I wasn’t that crazy about this Brazil the next day after roasting but a week later, I have to say that it is very tasty!

It’s a medium roast or full city roast, and it has a full roasted flavor but not the bitter tinge and the end and you can still taste the natural flavors.

My supplier described like this:

“City+ and Full City roasts harness robust chocolate roast flavors that are matched by a sweetness that holds on in the aftertaste. The aroma offers hints of dried peach, roasted almond, and cocoa nibs. The brewed cup has bittersweetness you expect from Brazil, underlying chocolate accents that add a pungent ‘toasty’ note to the sweetness too, like burnt sugar with a dusting of cinnamon. Fruits are limited to aroma, rather than flavor, but offer some mild complexity to the bittersweet core. Deep, chocolatey bass notes keep the coffee profile grounded at a wide range of roast levels.”

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Coffee processing methods

assorted fruits on person s hand — Photo by Livier Garcia on Pexels.com

Each of these coffee processing methods result in a different taste and composition of the coffee.

During the coffee processing method, the raw coffee beans are extracted from the cherries and are dried and sorted.

This process shapes the flavor, acidity, and body of the coffee beans, and ultimately, the cup of coffee you will be drinking.

Wet Processing

Wet processing, also known as washed coffee, is the oldest and most common method for processing coffee beans. This method involves the use of water, where water helps extract the raw coffee beans from the coffee cherry. In some cases, the coffee beans are fermented. After the coffee beans are extracted, they are dried on raised beds or in a mechanical dryer.

Wet processing generally results in a light-bodied and acidic coffee.

Dry Processing

Dry processing, also known as natural processed coffee, is a method of processing coffee beans where the beans are dried inside of the coffee cherry. This process does not involve the use of water and is typically used for coffees from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Yemen. This method usually results in a full body and sweet flavor, which is why it is commonly used for espresso blends.

Semi-Wash Processing (Honey)

Semi-wash processing is a combination of both dry and wet processing. During this method, some of the mucilage, or the natural layer around the bean, is fermented and some is washed off with water. This method is most commonly used in Indonesia and Ethiopia. This process balances the best characteristics of wet and dry processing, resulting in a coffee that has a full body and smooth flavor, with just a hint of sweetness.

The Cost of Coffee.

The Cost of Harvesting Coffee

When it comes to coffee, the cost of harvesting has a direct influence on the price you pay. From coffee production to shipping and packaging, every step of the process affects the quality and cost of coffee. Here we explore the various sources of cost for harvesting and the influence they have on the beverage.

Coffee Production

The production process of coffee requires labor, land, and technology. First, the beans are harvested from the coffee plants that are often farmed in remote regions. Once the beans are collected, they are carefully sorted and processed, ready for export or local sale.

The cost of labor and equipment needed to pick, sort and process the beans is determined by the local market conditions and the available resources. Depending on where the beans are grown, the cost and conditions of labor can vary significantly. For example, in countries such as Costa Rica and Ethiopia, the price of labor is likely to be higher than in places such as Guatemala or Honduras.

Transportation and Packaging

The cost of transportation and packaging is another factor that affects the price you pay for coffee. After the beans are harvested, they must be shipped to the roaster. The cost of this process is determined by the distance between the origin and destination, as well as the type of packaging used to ensure the beans reach their destination safely.

In addition, the type of packaging used can affect the quality of the coffee. Beans that are packaged in sealed bags and foil-lined containers can ensure the beans retain their flavor and aroma better than those packed in plastic containers.

Storage and Handling

Finally, storage and handling are two of the most important factors that affect the cost of harvesting coffee. Proper storage of the beans is essential to ensure they remain fresh and flavorful. Additionally, proper handling of the beans is important to maintain their quality and consistency.

The type of storage and handling used is determined by the coffee producer or roaster. Depending on the quality of the beans, specific storage and handling methods will be used to ensure the coffee maintains its flavor and aroma.

In conclusion, the factors that affect the cost of harvesting coffee are complex. From coffee production and packaging to transportation and handling, every step of the process has an impact on the overall cost of the beverage.

Coffee Production
Labor and Equipment
Location

Costa Rica and Ethiopia
Guatemala and Honduras

Transportation and Packaging
Distance
Type of Packaging

Sealed bags
Foil-lined containers
Plastic containers

Storage and Handling
Storage
Handling
Quality and Consistency

The cost of harvesting coffee is determined through a combination of all of these factors, from labor, land and equipment to transportation and packaging. With the right processes and techniques in place, producers and roasters can ensure the beans remain fresh and flavorful, giving customers a high quality, affordable cup of coffee.

Single Origin Roast Level

Understanding Single Origin Roast Level

If you’re a coffee fan, you’ve probably heard of single origin coffee beans. But what is single origin roast level, and why should you care?
Single origin refers to coffee beans that come from one single source. This can mean the same farm, region, or country. This is in contrast to conventional coffee beans that usually blend beans from multiple countries.

Benefits of Single Origin Roast Level

Single origin roast level offers unique benefits that you won’t find in coffee blends. Here are some of the ways single origin coffee can enhance your coffee experience:

More Flavors: Single origin coffee beans can bring out more flavor notes in your brew. This is because single origin beans are usually processed and roasted differently, drawing out unique flavors not found in a blend.
Higher Quality: Single origin beans usually come from higher-quality farms and regions. This means you can expect better taste and aroma in every cup.

How to Choose the Right Roast Level

The quality of your coffee depends largely on the roast level. If you’re new to coffee, it’s important to understand the different types of roasts available. Here are the four main types of roast levels for single origin coffee beans:

Light Roast: This roast level is lighter in color and has a milder taste. It also has higher acidity, making it a great choice for iced coffee.
Medium Roast: This roast level is darker in color and has a fuller flavor. It’s the most popular roast level and is great for a wide range of coffee drinks.
Dark Roast: This roast level is the darkest in color and has a strong and intense flavor. It’s usually used in espresso drinks.
Extra Dark Roast: This roast level is the darkest roast available and has a smoky flavor. It’s a great choice for those who like bold and intense flavors.

When choosing the right roast level for your single origin beans, consider the type of coffee you’ll be brewing. For iced coffee, go for a light roast. For traditional espresso, a dark roast is usually preferred.

Once you’ve chosen the right roast level for your single origin beans, it’s time to move on to brewing. Single origin beans tend to be more delicate and have a shorter shelf life, so take care to store them in an airtight container and use them within a few weeks.

Conclusion

Single origin roast level offers unique flavor notes and higher-quality beans. When choosing the right roast level, consider the type of coffee you’ll be brewing. For iced coffee, go for a light roast. For traditional espresso, a dark roast is usually preferred. Store single origin beans in an airtight container and use them within a few weeks to ensure the best flavor. With the right roast level, you’ll be able to truly enjoy the unique flavor of single origin beans.

The Best Grind for Brewing Coffee

Making the perfect cup of coffee starts with the grind. The type of grind you use should depend on your preferred brewing method. Differences in grind size drastically affect the taste of your coffee, so it’s important to understand what grind works best for each method. Here we’ll discuss the best grind for brewing coffee, outlining the key aspects of the grind and explaining what makes it the perfect choice.

Grind Types

The grind size of coffee is determined by the distance between the blades of the grinder and ranges from very fine to very coarse. There are four main grind types:

Extra Coarse: This is best for cold brew and French press.
Coarse Grind: Ideal for percolator and cafetiere.
Medium Grind: Used for filter coffee or pour-over.
Fine Grind: Perfect for espresso and moka pot.

The size of the grind will determine the strength and flavor of your coffee. For example, a coarse grind will have a milder flavor because the water takes longer to extract the flavor from the beans. Conversely, a fine grind will provide a stronger flavor as the water is able to extract more of the flavor quicker.

Grind Consistency

One of the most important aspects of the grind is its consistency. This is because an uneven grind can lead to an unbalanced flavor. A burr grinder is the best choice for grinding coffee consistently. It uses two cone-shaped burrs that grind the beans evenly. This ensures that the grind is even and consistent, which will create the perfect cup of coffee.

Grind for Brewers

The best grind for each brewing method is as follows:

Extra Coarse: Cold brew and French press – moderate extraction.
Coarse Grind: Percolator and cafetiere – maximum extraction.
Medium Grind: Filter coffee and pour-over – fast extraction.
Fine Grind: Espresso and moka pot – full extraction.

The grind you use should depend entirely on your preferred coffee brewing technique. The most important thing is to ensure that the grind is even and consistent. That way, you’ll be able to extract the full flavor from the beans and create the perfect cup of coffee.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Grind

When grinding coffee beans, it is important to remember the following tips for finding the perfect grind:

Choose a burr grinder for consistent grind.
Adjust the burrs to the desired grind size.
Grind only the amount of coffee you need.
Store any leftover coffee beans in a cool, dry place.
Test out different grinds to find your preferred flavor.
Clean your grinder regularly to prevent flavor transfer.

By following these tips, you can easily find the perfect grind for your coffee needs. The right grind will make all the difference to your cup of coffee and it’s worth taking the time to experiment with different grinds until you find the perfect one for you.

Conclusion

Finding the best grind for brewing coffee is essential for making a great cup of coffee. Choosing the right grind can be tricky, but by understanding the different grind types and their effect on brewing, you can easily find the perfect one for your needs. Remember to choose a burr grinder for consistent grind, adjust the burrs to the desired size and test out different grinds to find your preferred flavor. With the help of these tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect cup of coffee every time.

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