Learning about Sun-dried Coffee

Each one provides different qualities to coffee.

An important part of the coffee industry lies in the drying process of coffee beans. This is a processing method that allows all moisture to be removed from the beans so that they can be ground and brewed in a better way, thus guaranteeing a richer flavor as well as the extraction of caffeine and natural oils from the beans.

The best known methods for processing coffee beans are sun-dried and washed process. In this article, we are going to explore the basics of sun-dry processing above all, but also explain the main differences between this process and the washed process, as well as the results of each.

The sun-dried coffee process, also called natural process or unwashed coffee processing,  is the oldest method of processing coffee. The entire cherry after harvest is first cleaned and then placed in the sun to dry on tables or in thin layers on patios. As the cherries dry, they are raked or turned by hand to ensure even drying and prevent mildew. It may take up to 4 weeks before the cherries are dried to the optimum moisture content, depending on the weather conditions. On larger plantations, machine-drying is sometimes used to speed up the process after the coffee has been pre-dried in the sun for a few days.

The drying operation is the most important stage of the process since it affects the final quality of the green coffee. A coffee that has been overdried will become brittle and produce too many broken beans during hulling (broken beans are considered defective beans). Coffee that has not been dried sufficiently will be too moist and prone to rapid deterioration caused by the attack of fungi and bacteria.

The dried cherries are stored in bulk in special silos until they are sent to the mill where hulling, sorting, grading and bagging take place. All the outer layers of the dried cherry are removed in one step by the hulling machine.

The dry method is used for about 90% of the Arabica coffee produced in Brazil, most of the coffees produced in Ethiopia, Haiti, and Paraguay, as well as for some Arabicas produced in India and Ecuador. Almost all Robustas are processed by this method. It is not practical in very rainy regions, where the humidity of the atmosphere is too high or where it frequently rains during harvesting.

Over time, the natural process has become considered a lower-quality method that can lead to inconsistent flavors. This inconsistency is often the result of unripe fruit drying and turning brown alongside ripe fruits.

However, there are many who believe this process actually has the potential to create the most flavorful coffees – and that a comeback is just around the corner. If consistency can be achieved, then many argue that natural coffees can match washed coffees for clarity, and also provide some more interesting notes and characteristics as well. You can see this happening in Brazil, among other places.

On the other hand, in the wet process, the fruit covering the seeds/beans is removed before they are dried. Coffee processed by the wet method is called wet-processed or washed coffee. The wet method requires the use of specific equipment and substantial quantities of water. Any wet processing of coffee produces coffee wastewater which can be a pollutant. Ecologically sensitive farms reprocess the wastewater along with the shell and mucilage as compost to be used in soil fertilization programs. The amount of water used in processing can vary, but most often is used in a 1 to 1 ratio.

Main differences between sun-dried and washed coffee beans

• The consensus is the sun-dry method produces a bolder coffee with more body and increased complexity, while the washed method produces a much more acidic coffee with enhanced clarity
• The removal of the bean is the most difficult and risky process when producing coffee using the sun-dry method as there is very little control over the process of the bean removal. However, this process still doesn’t require as much skill as the washed process, meaning it is a much easier process and is widely used by coffee producers around the world
• The sun-dry method often depends on climate and environmental conditions (making countries like Ethiopia and Brazil favor this method, as they have plenty of sunlight to fully dry the beans) whereas the washed method depends only on substantial quantities of water and the devices that this method implies
• When it comes to the time factor, the actual 'cleaning' of the pod can take just a few hours and is fairly consistent in the washed method, whereas with unwashed coffee beans this fermentation can take weeks
• The farmer’s resources are also to take in consideration when it comes to choosing the processing method. Without the need for water and specialized equipment, the unwashed process is much cheaper - but also carries with it a much higher risk of rot and spoilage that don’t happen with the washed method.

As you can see, each processing method has its own pros and cons. Also, each results into a different arrange of flavors and shades of coffee brew, but as taste is subjective, we have to admit that both unwashed and washed coffee have the potential to be a delicious treat for our palates.

If you enjoyed our content, don’t hesitate to follow us 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.

In the coffee world, the methods can vary!

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

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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

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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

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Here's one of the secrets to keeping your coffee fresh for a longer period.

As you probably already know, coffee goes through many processes and during them its properties and substances are transformed. Its quality has to do with many procedures that are carried out at the production stage, which includes harvesting the cherries, roasting the seeds and packaging the coffee within a bag of specific material. In the end, all these steps seek to ensure that the coffee, its taste, and aroma can last longer, which may lead you to ask yourself the following question: does the coffee really go bad?

Does Coffee Go Bad?

The reality is that, like any other product with an expiration date, coffee can “go bad.” However, this fact is conceived differently in the world of coffee. Clearly, any product that’s not hermetically sealed and is exposed to very specific moisture conditions may have fungus or mold. But when it comes to bad coffee, it’s not about rottenness.

In general, if the coffee is stored correctly, the fungus will not be a problem. The real question about the coffee duration is: is it possible that this product can be stored “for a lifetime”? Unfortunately, the answer is no. In the end, coffee does go bad, but not like other foods. Over time the coffee may become stale due to factors such as temperature and humidity, but it’s mainly due to oxidation.

As mentioned in the article “Why You Should Care About Roasting Date,” oxidation is the process by which the coffee bean comes into contact with oxygen. This element can degrade the components of the coffee, generating a product not suitable for coffee lovers.

How to tell if your coffee has gone bad

One detail you can’t overlook is the fact that the expiration date won’t really determine whether the coffee is stale or not. You could say that the best resource in these cases is the senses. One of the best ways to detect if your coffee isn't as fresh as you thought it would be, is through its aroma. If you can’t perceive a strong coffee smell when you open the bag, the product probably can no longer be consumed.

The taste will also be an important element in identifying stale coffee. If you are a coffee lover and know the quality of your favorite coffee, you will be able to identify elements that are not typical of the product. Stale coffee usually has a dull and an unpleasant taste.

How to make coffee last longer?

The secret behind coffee duration lies in the type of the coffee you purchase: bean or ground. If you store the coffee in a dry, dark, cool place and in an airtight container, it will last much longer. In this way, ground coffee can maintain its properties for a couple of months after its expiration date, and coffee beans can be consumed up to nine months after expiration.

Clearly, the best thing you can do to prevent a coffee from going bad is to consume it as fresh as possible, which is why it is important to try to locate the roasting date of each bag you buy. The closer you get to that date, the more likely you are to enjoy its good taste and properties.

The coffee industry is a world full of secrets and a lot of science. Only experts such as That Coffee Roasters know all the information needed to produce quality coffee. So what are you waiting for? Follow us through our social networks and get to know more about coffee products and all the processes you need to follow to improve your coffee experience!

Coffee expires in a very different way.

That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters

Coffee Definitions for Coffee Businesses

To be a coffee professional, you must know what an espresso is and what does "fair trade" means.

If you want to enter the world of coffee business, you must be familiar with all the terms and elements that help you to understand the processes and elaboration of your future product. In every industry, the fundamental requirement is to know the basics and understand the market, and for that, you need to learn the most important concepts. Taking all these aspects into account, That Coffee Roasters offers you a set of coffee definitions that could help you plan your next steps into the coffee world.

That Coffee Roasters’ dictionary: Coffee Definitions

You may find that the coffee terminology is simple, you don’t need much knowledge to know the differences between types of preparations and coffee. However, this statement couldn’t be more mistaken. Coffee goes through so many processes, transformations, preparations and transactions that it’s difficult to identify and define each one of the related terms. That’s why That Coffee Roasters has put together a list of coffee definitions that will serve as a short introduction to the real coffee field.

Acidity: this term does not refer to the amount of acid or pH in coffee, but to the kind of fruity or wine-like taste that can be perceived in some Arabica coffees.

Aged coffee: this is not stale coffee, but green coffee kept in warehouses for an extended time period to change its taste, reduce its acidity and increase its body.

Air roaster: a machine that uses hot air streams to roast coffee beans. It’s a method in which the beans are in constant movement to ensure that they are roasted evenly.

Americano: it’s usually a mixture of one or two shots of espresso with a little hot water. Depending on the amount of water it can have a stronger or less strong taste.

Arabica: it’s one of the oldest and most cultivated species of coffee. It represents 70% of the produced coffee in the world. It’s grown at high altitudes and has a lower level of caffeine.

Blade grinder: a machine that uses spinning blades to crush coffee beans and turn them into ground coffee. The problem with this method is that the grinding is not consistent, there are particles of different sizes.

Blooming: this is the effect that occurs when freshly roasted and ground coffee comes into contact with hot water. Coffee puffs up like a mushroom because the roasted beans are not properly degassed.

Brewing: it’s the action of preparing coffee through any method that includes mixing hot water with ground coffee.

Burr grinder: it’s a coffee grinder that uses metal discs with sharp ridges to obtain a uniform grind. This tool can be adjusted to produce fine or coarse coffee particles.

Caffeine: Caffeine is an alkaloid found in coffee beans. It’s a stimulating substance that can keep you awake and alert. Today, you can find caffeine in beauty products and medical treatments.

Cappuccino: this is one of the most famous coffee preparations. It usually contains 1/3 of espresso topped with 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 milk foam.

Cherry: it’s the term given to the fruit of the coffee tree. When they are ripe and red, they are harvested, and the skin, pulp, and parchment are removed.

Coffee roasting: it’s the process by which green coffee is transformed into roasted coffee. The taste of these seeds changes and varies depending on the coffee roast, which can be light, medium, dark-medium or dark.

Coffeol: it’s the oil that can be seen when the coffee bean has been roasted. It mostly appears during the dark-medium or dark roasting.

Cupping: it’s a sensory evaluation of coffee performed by experts taking into consideration the aroma, acidity, taste, and body of the product. In general, hot water is poured over the ground coffee, and the resultant liquid is tested both cold and hot.

Degassing: it’s the process by which freshly roasted coffee beans are left to stand for a time so that the carbon dioxide produced during roasting can be released. Depending on the type of coffee, this process can take more or fewer days.

Dry-processed coffee: it’s the drying coffee method by which the husk and pulp of the coffee cherry are removed after it has been sundried.

Espresso: it’s a way of preparing coffee in which hot water is forced under pressure through finely ground coffee. The result is a strong, thick liquid.

Fairtrade: fairtrade is the purchase of coffee directly from farmers at a fair price. This method seeks to ensure that farmers receive a fair payment that will help them to continue the production and to improve their life quality.

Green coffee: this is the unroasted bean, which has gone through several processes before roasting, such as harvesting and drying.

Grind: it’s the action of reducing the roasted coffee bean to small particles or powder. There are several types of grind: fine, medium, and coarse.

Latte: it’s another of the most popular coffee preparations. Like the cappuccino, the latte contains a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. However, in this case, the steamed milk ratio is higher.

Mochaccino: this is also a very popular way to drink coffee. The biggest difference between cappuccino and latte lies in the chocolate that’s added.

Pulping: it consists of removing the pulp from the fruit. It’s part of the wet method for processing and drying coffee.

Robusta: it’s one of the most widely used coffee species in the industry. It grows at low elevations and is very resistant to pests. The coffee bean of this tree is usually smaller and bitter.

Specialty coffee: it’s a concept that was born in 1974, and made reference to a specific profile of coffee with a unique flavor that came from microclimates. Currently, coffees that score 80 to 100 points are defined as specialty coffee.

Wet-processed coffee: it’s another type of coffee processing and drying method. In this case, the cherries are first immersed in water and then go through several processes before reaching the drying stage, which is carried out by exposing the coffee seed to the sun or drying it with a machine.

A lot of coffee definitions, don't you think? However, this is only a fraction of all terms related to the coffee industry. If you want to know more about coffee and its processes, and learn new coffee definitions, follow us through our social networks as That Coffee Roasters and become an expert in coffee roasting!

Learn the definitions that every owner of a coffee business should know.

That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

Facebook: That Coffee Roasters

Instagram: thatcoffeeroasters