About the Bean

about the coffee bean Coffee is a tropical evergreen shrub. It is cultivated throughout many parts of the world. Seeds are planted in nursery beds and transplanted after about twelve months. The first harvest takes about two or three years, but a full yield will not be achieved until about five years. There are two types of coffee beans – Arabica and Robusta. Arabica (those carried by The Reading Coffee Roasters) are the premium beans and grown at high altitudes. The vast majority of coffee is harvested by hand, which is a skilled labor intensive process.

There are two ways of picking: (1) strip picking or (2) selective picking. Strip picking means the entire crop is picked in one pass. Selective picking involves making several passes among the coffee trees at intervals of eight to ten days so that only the fully ripe berries are taken. Selective picking is more expensive and, when used, is used only for arabica beans. There are two beans found inside each “cherry”, and these are harvested when the cherries turn bright red. The pulp (skin of the cherry), is removed then the green beans are fermented, washed and dried. On an average farm, pickers gather between 100 and 200 pounds of cherries per day. Of this total weight, 20 percent is actually bean (20 to 40 pounds). Coffee beans from the farm are bundled and shipped in 100 to 130 pound bags. Therefore, it takes one picker three to six days to fill one bag.

Storage

Oxygen, heat, light and moisture are enemies to coffee. Therefore it is best to store coffee in whole bean form in an airtight container at room temperature. Never store in the refrigerator or freezer. This increases the chances for condensation to form. It is a great mystery how three of the enemies for storing coffee (oxygen, heat & water) are also essential for a great cup of coffee.

Freshness

The average shelf life depends on many things. How was the coffee stored? Is it whole bean or ground? Even the very best coffee, stored in the best way will not have the best taste forever. Here at Reading Coffee Roasters we micro roast each coffee, meaning we do it by hand (not computer) in small batches. When you purchase directly from us you’re getting the freshest coffee available, and by purchasing whole bean in small quantities your coffee will remain fresher longer.

Whole Bean verses ground?

Whole bean coffee stays fresh longer. Oxygen will degrade the flavor and aroma of coffee. For that reason, it is best to buy whole bean in smaller quantities, grinding as needed just before brewing.

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