Coffee Processing Flowchart | Coffee Production Process | Coffee Bean Processing Methods and Brewing Techniques

Coffee processing can refer to: the process of extracting coffee beans from coffee cherries, also known as coffee processing methods; the process of brewing coffee from coffee beans, also known as coffee extraction methods; the process of turning coffee liquid into instant coffee powder.

What are Coffee Bean Processing Methods?

Coffee bean processing methods involve removing the skin and pulp from coffee cherries to extract the coffee bean (the seed). Traditional coffee bean processing methods include three main types: washed processing, natural processing, and honey processing.

Different processing methods are adopted based on factors such as region, climate, and coffee bean varieties. Coffee beans processed through different methods will also exhibit different flavor profiles.

Washed Processing

In washed processing, coffee cherry skin and pulp are first removed, then the beans are placed in water tanks for fermentation. The acid produced during this process dissolves the mucilage. After being washed with clean water, a very clean parchment (the inner skin of the coffee cherry) remains covering the coffee beans, which are then sun-dried.

Through cupping by FrontStreet Coffee, it was found that among the three coffee processing methods, washed processed coffee beans have brighter acidity and a cleaner overall cup profile. Washed processing also most directly reflects the quality of coffee beans. Therefore, when FrontStreet Coffee launched its "Daily Bean Series" of regional selections, they prioritized washed processed coffee beans to allow different regional coffee beans to more clearly express their unique regional flavors.

Natural Processing

Natural processing involves directly sun-drying whole coffee cherries. Because the pulp and mucilage are retained, the fruit sugars ferment during the sun-drying process, and the coffee beans absorb these sugars and fermentation flavors.

Through cupping by FrontStreet Coffee, it was found that when coffee beans are properly natural processed, the coffee exhibits milder fermentation aromas and noticeable sweetness, with a smoother and fuller mouthfeel.

Honey Processing

Honey processing involves removing the coffee cherry skin while retaining the pulp and mucilage for sun-drying. The more pulp and mucilage retained, the sweeter the coffee will be, but greater attention is needed during the drying process, or shade drying may be required to avoid excessive fermentation of sugars.

Through cupping by FrontStreet Coffee, it was found that when coffee beans are properly honey processed, the coffee exhibits rich fruit fermentation flavors, more prominent sweetness, and a full, rich mouthfeel.

What are Coffee Extraction Methods?

Coffee extraction methods involve grinding coffee beans into particles (powder) of different degrees, then allowing water to contact the coffee powder through various methods to extract soluble substances from the coffee grounds. Currently mainstream coffee extraction methods include: drip extraction, pressure extraction, and cold brew extraction.

Drip Extraction

Drip extraction refers to pour-over coffee, which requires using a drip cone with filter paper, then pouring hot water through a dedicated pouring kettle, causing the coffee grounds in the filter paper to tumble. The soluble flavor substances contact the water and drip through the filter paper as clean coffee liquid. FrontStreet Coffee believes that the greatest characteristic of pour-over coffee is its cleanliness, balance, and appropriate concentration.

Pressure Extraction

Pressure extraction refers to espresso, which involves quickly injecting hot water through extremely finely ground coffee powder under pressure in a short time to extract highly concentrated coffee liquid. FrontStreet Coffee believes that the greatest characteristic of espresso is its richness and intensity, making it suitable for diluting with other ingredients for consumption. For example, adding water creates Americano coffee, while adding milk creates latte coffee.

Cold Brew Extraction

Cold brew extraction refers to cold brew coffee, which uses room temperature/low temperature water to steep coffee grounds, then extracts in a refrigerator. The advantage of low-temperature extraction is that it's less likely to extract bitter substances from coffee, so after extraction is complete and the coffee grounds are filtered out with filter paper/filters, the coffee has a full, rich, and clean taste. The disadvantage is the longer extraction time, typically requiring 12-18 hours of steeping.

How is Instant Coffee Powder Made?

There are two types of instant coffee powder: one that requires hot water for brewing, and another that can be brewed with cold water, namely freeze-dried coffee.

Instant Coffee: Dry coffee extract obtained by evaporating water from coffee extract. Instant coffee dissolves quickly in hot water and occupies less space and volume during storage and transportation, making it more durable for storage.

Freeze-Dried Coffee: Instant coffee made by freezing liquid concentrated coffee and then removing ice through sublimation. The process is complex, but freeze-dried coffee pieces better retain the original flavor of coffee. Due to their loose, porous internal structure, they dissolve quickly, making them convenient "instant coffee" that's easy to measure and allows for easy control of the resulting beverage's concentration.

Important Notice :

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