Coffee Grind Facts

It all depends on the type of coffee you prefer and the brewing method used to make it!

We can all agree that coffee is delicious. In fact, it’s one of the most popular drinks in the world (the United States itself imports more than $4 billion worth of coffee each year), but just as to make an omelet you gotta break a couple eggs, for a good cup of coffee a good grind is indispensable.

You may be wondering why and how is coffee ground before being brewed. The basic goal of making coffee is to get what’s sealed inside the bean, out of it. We are talking about Caffeine, natural oils, and other chemicals that make it so delicious and rich in taste. By grinding the coffee beans, you help the water to extract efficiently the solubles that are responsible for coffee’s taste and aroma.

There are different types of coffee grinds, all of them with different purposes and varying methods of brewing, but they have something in common: they are rich in flavor, texture, and energy. They are sorted based on how much the coffee beans are ground before being brew.

• Extra-Coarse Coffee Grind: is used for cold brewing methods (like the Toddy Brewer)
• Coarse Coffee Grind: it’s commonly used for French Press coffee
• Medium-Coarse Coffee Grind: used in specialty devices like the Cafe Solo and Chemex Brewer
• Medium Coffee Grind: is used in Drip brewing methods
• Medium-Fine Coffee Grind: one of the most sold coffee grounds, used for pour-over cones, vacuum pots, and siphon brewers
• Fine Coffee Grind: traditionally used for espresso
• Extra-Fine Coffee Grind: used for Turkish coffee (therefore it’s often named Turkish grind)

Coffee Grind Trivia

Here are some little-known facts about Coffee Grind and its history.

• There are two kinds of coffee grinders: Blade Grinders (which chop the coffee beans much like a blender), and Burr Grinders (that crush the coffee beans between a moving wheel and fixed surface)
• The correct grade of grinding for an espresso is achieved when 25 ml of coffee is obtained in 25 seconds, using 7 g of ground coffee with a steam pressure set at 9 bar
• There are many grind sizes: coarse, medium, fine, extra fine and Turkish, the finer the grinder, the fewer pieces of actual coffee beans remain in the coffee powder
• Contrary to popular belief, coffee strength is determined by the ratio of coffee grinds to water during the brewing process, not during the roasting process
• Espresso isn’t a coffee roast or variety of coffee bean. Some coffee beans are ground finely to be used in the preparation of espresso, which is created using a high-pressure brewing method with finely ground coffee beans
• The grind determines the length of time the water should be in contact with the coffee while brewing. Therefore, a too fine grind produces bitter coffee with too much sediment, and a too coarse grind brews weak, flavorless coffee
• Black coffee with no additives contains no calories (good news for all fitness coffee-lovers)
• The rule of thumb for coffee grind is: a faster water infusion requires a finer grind. For example, if you use an espresso machine, the water is only in contact with the coffee for a brief time and thus requires a fine grin
• The original coffee-brewing method involved boiling the whole roasted beans in hot water while agitating them. This was, of course, before the first grinding methods were developed

As you have read, the backbone of great coffee is none other than the perfect coffee grounds. Don’t look at your grinds as just another part of making coffee, see them as an invaluable tool for controlling your brew and hence, a cup of coffee.

If you enjoyed our tips, facts, and content, don’t doubt in following on our social networks and we’ll be glad to answer all your questions, so don’t be shy and leave them in the comment section.

There is a right grind for each coffee method!

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

What You Should Know about Coffee Beans

Many people know Arabica and Robusta, but did you know that there are more? 

You think you know everything about coffee, don’t you? Chances are you do know a lot. However, within the coffee industry there’s always something new to learn, and, when it comes to coffee beans, there’s way much more! If you want to understand how a coffee business works, you need to dive deeper into this work area and increase your knowledge. For this reason, That Coffee Roasters offers you the opportunity to learn more about the coffee beans that roasting companies use to create the best coffee.

Knowing the truth about coffee beans

In general, the coffee bean is recognized by everyone, although only a few people actually know where it comes from and how it became the product they have in their hands today. Currently, there’s still a lot of information that coffee lovers don’t know about, and that they could actually use to get inspired, create their own businesses, make alliances and grow within an area they are passionate about.

With this statement in mind, That Coffee Roasters brings you information that every coffee enthusiast should know! Read on and learn more about the coffee business and its beans!

Beyond Arabica and Robusta coffee plants

As you may already know, the coffee beans come from cherries found in the Coffea Genus trees. At present, there are about 124 species of this plant, so it’s impossible that there are only two types of coffee beans in the world. Both Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee) and Coffea canephora (Robusta coffee) are the most commonly used for the production of coffees and blends. However, two other types of coffee beans can be found in the industry: Liberica and Excelsa.

Although these two types of coffees are rarely consumed due to their complexity, lack of self-pollination, or lack of yield. Some companies use them to make blends that can please the most exotic palates of their customers.

The origin of coffee beans

One of the biggest coffee mysteries is its origin. The truth is that no one can specify which was the first coffee bean harvested. However, there are several theories about the origin of its use. The first refers to an Ethiopian goat herder of the 9th century named Kaldi, who, after seeing his goat full of vitality thanks to the coffee cherries, decided to try the stimulating properties of the beans. A second theory places the discovery of coffee in the hands of a Yemenite Sufi mystic that decided to try the tree fruit after seeing that the Ethiopian birds had a lot of vitality because of it.

Finally, the third theory recounts that Omar, an Abu al-Hasan ash-Shadhili disciple, discovered the effects of coffee beans after being exiled in a cave. To avoid starvation, he tried to consume the coffee beans raw, roasted and boiled.

The term “origin” for beans

Nowadays it’s important to know where the coffee that customers like so much comes from. As the concept indicates, “origin” refers to the place where the coffee beans were grown. Today, most of it comes from the world largest coffee producers, including Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam, which are located in the so-called coffee belt (an area between the Tropic of Capricorn and Cancer).

Single Origin

Generally speaking, you probably think that the term only refers to the fact that the coffee comes from a specific country or farm. It’s true that it indicates that the bean was grown in a specific place, but it also takes into account other factors, such as if it comes from a specific lot, state, or a micro lot grown in a specific area and environment. The importance of this identification lies in the fact that you can trace the exact origin of the product and know that the coffee you are consuming is not a blend, but a pure coffee.

The world of coffee is full of definitions, processes, materials, and labels. To understand the industry you need to obtain the right knowledge and get expert advice. For example, if you plan to explore the coffee roasting market and want to know the best coffee products, all you have to do is contact an expert, such as That Coffee Roasters.

As roasters, we specialize in the production of the best Colombian roasted coffee, so our knowledge in the area is quite extensive. If you want to know more about the roasted coffee bean, its origin, and its qualities, just follow us through our social networks and discover everything we have to offer.

There is a lot you still don't know about these seeds!

That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Coffee Facts: What Is Specialty Coffee?

The term was first used by roaster Erna Knutsen.

The world of coffee is very wide, and its terminology extends to many unknown terms. As a coffee lover and perhaps an amateur barista, you need to know all the concepts to recognize the quality and advantages of the different products. And that’s why That Coffee Roasters will bring you information on a very particular classification that will teach you more about the coffee industry. Read on and find out everything you need to know about specialty coffee.

The origin of the specialty coffee

Every term has its origin, and that of “specialty coffee” dates back to 1974. First used by Erna Knutsen in an article for the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, this concept referred to a profile of coffee with a unique flavor that came from specific microclimates. It was a high-quality coffee grown under very specific conditions in particular regions.

Currently, the term refers to several other characteristics that are closely linked to the quality of the product from the moment it is harvested until it reaches the cups to be enjoyed.

Specialty coffee nowadays

Today, this classification has several other factors that define a coffee as such. Thanks to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), you can get a clearer idea of how to select a coffee of this type.

First of all, it’s necessary to mention that this product has nothing to do with the so-called premium coffees; only those coffees that currently score 80 to 100 points are defined with this concept. But what characteristics are taken into account for a coffee to fall into this category? According to the SCAA, three aspects are fundamental in this process: the selection of green beans, roasting, and brewing process.

As for beans selection, the term specialty refers to seeds with little or no defects. In these cases, producers often create micro lots of coffee that are grown in specific areas with a defined height, sun exposure, fertilizers and other environmental characteristics. For the harvest, people trained in the specific selection of red berries are normally used. After passing this quality control stage, the pulp is removed from the berries, and the seeds are dried until they reach their optimum moisture state. Finally, the beans pass through two more quality controls, where the defective coffee beans are separated from those that do not have any flaws.

As for roasting, the SCAA has developed a Roast Color Classification System that can also help to identify the specialty of a coffee. However, the roaster’s work and ability to show the specific character of a coffee plays an important role in this phase.

Likewise, freshness also has to do with the term to be defined. It’s difficult to establish a standard for this characteristic, as packaging technology can extend the freshness of coffee for longer. The determining factor in these cases is the aroma: if the coffee is not highly aromatic, the product cannot be classified as “specialty.”

Finally, another factor related to the definition of “specialty coffee” is the brewing process. In this sense, the training of the barista will influence the entry of a coffee to the specialty category. Each method of preparing coffee, whether Chemex or French Press, can change the flavor of the product; however, if you know how to select a good mix of brewer and grinder, you can prepare a good cup of specialty coffee with any of the tools.

Clearly, identifying and creating a specialty coffee is not easy. The definition of this type of product changes over time. However, one thing is for sure; there will always be quality standards that will allow you to distinguish one type of coffee from another. All you have to do is get to know in depth all the aspects related to your passion for coffee and go beyond the basic and usual products.

Want to know more about the world of coffee and its secrets? Just follow us through all That Coffee Roasters social networks to discover the coffee variants and their quality.  

Learn how to define specialty coffee with That Coffee Roasters. 

That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Have You Eaten Coffee Beans?

Roasted beans have more antioxidants than a cup of coffee.

As you’ve probably noticed from reading previous blogs, coffee is extremely versatile. The caffeine contained in it can be seen in a wide variety of products, such as medicines and skin creams. The coffee itself can also be used as fertilizer and to prepare homemade beauty products. Currently, in the field of beverages, their use is imperative; it’s impossible to count the number of recipes, including those of cold brews and iced coffee, that can be found in books and websites. In the end, a lot has been said about coffee, but one question remains unanswered: is it convenient to eat coffee beans?

The truth about eating coffee beans

A particular fact to take into account when thinking about eating the coffee bean, is that it could actually be considered a seed found inside a fruit (the berry). Currently, in the food industry, there are many edible seeds, such as poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds, among others; all of them are used in recipes or even are eaten raw without any problem. In that case, when talking about coffee, you can also assume that the bean has the potential to be consumed, either raw or roasted, thanks to its seed qualities.

The question is: can you eat coffee beans? In view of the above,  yes, you can. But now comes the doubt, does eating these seeds benefit or harm your health? That Coffee Roasters gives you the answer.

Eating coffee beans: beneficial or detrimental?

When talking about the effects of coffee on the body, it should be noted that beans, whether raw or roasted, tend to maintain a higher quantity of substances that decrease when the coffee is brewed. In general, coffee compounds such as catechols tend to increase stomach acid causing, in several cases, heartburns. Regarding the consumption of coffee beans, this effect could be magnified, causing more discomfort.

Likewise, you should take into consideration that the recommended daily amount of caffeine is 400 mg. Considering that coffee beans contain a greater amount of this type of compound, their consumption should be moderate, since this number can be exceeded more easily and without realizing it. This type of situation can seriously harm those who suffer from coffee intolerance, certain types of heart problems and flu.

However, every negative side has its positive counterpart. Coffee contains antioxidants that prevent aging and the appearance of cardiovascular diseases. If a cup of Joe, mixed with water and milk, provides you with a large portion of these molecules, imagine how much a simple coffee bean can give you. In addition, coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of oral cancer by 50%, so the consumption of coffee seeds could enhance this benefit. And if you need more reasons to bite a couple of these beans, you should know they can stimulate hair growth and help you detoxify the liver.

With the above, it is clear that the potential of coffee beans lies in the number of substances they contain. As long as they are not ground and brewed, these seeds preserve the property of magnifying the coffee effects you know so well. With all this information you are now ready to start consuming your coffee in a new way, either alone or with a chocolate coating.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of coffee in a more traditional way, you can always contact us through That Coffee Roasters’ social networks and check out the variety of Colombian coffees that we offer. Do you still want to try the green or roasted coffee beans? No problem, we also offer a great selection of these tasty seeds.

Although they are used as sweets with chocolate, few people consume toasted coffee beans frequently.

That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Learn How to Grow Your Own Coffee Trees Successfully

Coffee can't grow well in hot climates.

The process that every cup of coffee undergoes through to end up on our tables is seen as an art by many people. It’s a long, carefully crafted practice that begins with growing trees and harvesting the gifts of nature. Today, coffee has been transformed into a worldwide industry that has distanced us from those very first steps. Now, we barely think about the way beans are produced. Fortunately, coffee trees are not only perfect for satisfying our caffeine cravings whenever we want by growing our own coffee beans, but they also make for some wonderful plants for our garden, and it’s an excellent way to connect with our roots.

However, coffee can’t grow in all climate conditions, and although it’s a fairly easy plant to tend to, there are some details that should be taken into account if you want your tree to be strong and healthy. Are you ready to grow your own coffee and enjoy the benefits of your efforts and hard work? We’re sure that those cups will be like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. Follow these tips and give it a go!

Climate conditions

As you might already know, coffee never does well in hot, dry areas. They need very specific amounts of water and sunshine to grow healthy. Temperatures between 21°C and 22°C, 1,800 hours of sunshine annually, and a yearly rainfall between 1,500 and 2,000 mm are perfect for arabica seeds. In case there isn’t enough water, or there’s too much sunlight, you can plant coffee under shade trees to make up for the lack of humidity.

When it comes to the soils, they should stay moist and have good drainage. You can set it on a water-filled pebble tray to keep the humidity. Use organic potting soil that’s rich in nutrients as well. When the winter comes, you need to keep your plants from freezing temperatures. They won’t need as much water as in the summer. Coffee trees love the shade, so make sure to provide an indirect source of morning light.

Seeds

Seedlings that are planted in small pots or bags will have development problems in their roots. Use 17 cm x 23 cm as the ideal size at first. Once it’s grown and its roots have spread, you can move it to a 30 cm pot. You can use nitrogen to help it keep growing. If you want your tree to keep going up, tall and strong, then move it to an even larger pot.

You also need to make sure that your seeds are fresh. They shouldn’t be older than 3 months old. Fresh seeds should germinate in 2.5 months, but old seeds can take as long as 6 months. It is advisable to pre-germinate the seeds. For this, soak the coffee seeds in water for 24 hours.  Then sow the seeds in damp sand.  You can also place the seeds between moist coffee sacks, which should be watered twice a day and drained well.

Daily care

A happy coffee plant can grow up to 6 feet tall. Provide enough space for the plant and fertilize it once every two to three months in the spring and summer. It can take around 3 or 5 years for the plant to fully mature and start producing coffee berries. Unless you take really good care of all conditions in which the plant grows, you shouldn’t expect high-quality coffee. It’s possible to do it, but you need to take it seriously.

Water the tree twice per week in what is known as a full watering and a half watering.  In a half watering, simply add some water to the soil and allow it to drain.  In a full watering, add water, allow it to drain, and then add water with fertilizer and allow it to drain once more. Arabica coffee pollinates itself, so you don’t need to worry about that.

In any case, coffee plants produce a very sweet aroma and good shade that will give a great touch to your yard or garden. If you can grow more than just one, then you might be able to produce your own coffee and go as organic as you can when it comes to your coffee consumption. Have you ever tried to grow your own coffee trees? Tell us about it at That Coffee Roasters!

Live the whole experience!

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Why You Should Be Supporting Sustainable Coffee Production

Coffee's demand is growing every year.

Every day, more than 1.2 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide. Coffee's demand is rising every year, which is why we sometimes wonder: how are we capable of producing so much coffee? Our beloved little coffee beans are actually the world’s second most traded commodity, only losing to oil. Many third world countries and rural societies rely on coffee as one of the most important branches of their economies, but just how sustainable are those models over time? How do they impact the environment and the lives of farmers?  We’re never going to regret being coffee lovers, but we do think about the possible impact of such a huge mass-production industry has. Is sustainable coffee production possible?

What’s the price for our love?

As the need for more supplies rises and coffee farmers are excluded from the industry’s profit potential, the drive for an increased output grows as well. Third world coffee farmers, who only receive 10% of a product's retail price, want to produce as much coffee as they can in as little time as it’s possible, using methods that are less environmentally friendly.

Traditionally, coffee has always been grown under a shaded canopy of trees, providing a habitat for animals and insects, preventing soil erosion and eliminating the need for fertilizers. However, and thanks to the rising demand, new growing methods, such as “sun cultivation” crops, have appeared. In order for coffee cherries to be cultivated massively, the forested canopy is removed and millions of acres of forest are cleared. Therefore, a disturbing damage to biodiversity ensues. In fact, according to World Wide Fund, 37 of the 50 countries with the highest deforestation rates are also coffee producers.

Coffee sustainability: a challenge

The definition of sustainability varies from one industry to the other. In the coffee world, sustainable production means coffee grown in a manner that takes into consideration the environment and the people who live there. Ideally, sustainable coffee farmers would use renewable resources every time they can and give back to the land everything they take from it. It also means reducing pollution, caring for the needs of workers, and minimizing water consumption.

Things like these can be achieved by naturally filtering the water used for fertilization through the earth and then using it for coffee irrigation. Farmers can also give back some natural nutrients to the land by spreading organic fertilizers under coffee trees. They can engage and return to practices such as shade growing, biodiversification, and coffee husks usage as fuel rather than cutting eucalyptus trees. Decent working conditions, wages, and medical care for farmers and workers are also needed to guarantee models that can last in time, and that will grant opportunities for next generations.

However, it isn’t as simple as it sounds. Sustainability in coffee production comes with a rise in production costs that, many times, multinationals and farmers are not willing to accept. Even when companies are willing to introduce environmentally friendly methods, agronomists don’t often see more substantial financial returns. That's why they prefer to keep harmful coffee growing methods that allow them to make a better profit. In any case, sustainable models are also only affordable if coffee prices don’t fall, so new favorable market solutions need to be created so that sustainability isn’t at the mercy of market’s volatility.

Education programs, trust, and more funds are all needed to convince farmers of using sustainable methods, and companies of respecting workers’ human rights, wages, and working conditions. If you want to do something about it, stay informed and keep educating other people. Support brands that bet for coffee sustainability and make sure that, in the meantime, they also worry about farmers and workers. Support legislation and international treats that understand the importance of sustainability. If we want to live in a world where coffee continues to be a beverage we can all enjoy without destroying the lands that give it to us, we must act!

Sustainable production is especially important in developing countries.

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters