Hey there fellow travelers!

Coffee is more than just a morning ritual—it’s the result of a complex journey that begins thousands of miles away on coffee farms. Each step in the process, from harvesting to roasting, is crucial to the flavors we enjoy in our cups. Here’s a quick guide to how coffee gets from bean to brew.

1. The Coffee Cherry: Where It All Starts

Coffee starts as a small cherry on trees that thrive in warm, high-altitude climates. Each cherry contains two seeds, which we know as coffee beans. Farmers wait for the cherries to ripen to a deep red before hand-picking or using specialized equipment to harvest them.

2. Processing: Turning Cherries into Beans

Once harvested, the cherries go through one of several processing methods, which play a big role in the coffee’s flavor. Two main methods are:

• Washed Process: The cherries are depulped to remove the skin and fruit, then fermented to dissolve any remaining pulp. This method brings out cleaner, more acidic flavors.

• Natural Process: The cherries are dried with the fruit still attached, infusing the beans with fruity and often sweeter flavors. This process is common in areas with limited water resources.

3. Roasting: Bringing Out Flavor

After processing, beans are dried and shipped to roasters worldwide. Roasting is both an art and a science, transforming the green beans into the fragrant, flavorful coffee we recognize. Lighter roasts tend to highlight origin flavors, such as fruity or floral notes, while darker roasts emphasize bolder, richer flavors.

4. Grinding and Brewing: The Final Touches

For the best flavor, coffee beans should be ground right before brewing. Different brewing methods call for specific grind sizes—for example, espresso requires a fine grind, while a French press works best with a coarse grind. Water temperature, brewing time, and even the type of water used can also impact the final flavor. Our recommended brewing method and forever favorite is the pour-over method.

Enjoying the Journey

The next time you savor a cup of coffee, take a moment to think about its journey. Every sip is a celebration of the people and processes behind it—from the farmers and roasters to the brewing techniques that bring out the best flavors. Coffee is a story in every cup, let your taste buds roam while you do!