Let's talk about the ripeness of coffee cherries, from a sommelier's point of view
As we have already explained on other occasions, most of the coffee cherries, when they reach their degree of maturity, they adopt a crimson red color. This will greatly enhance the quality of the cup. But what would happen if at the time of producing coffee all coffee farmers thought like a sommelier? Possibly, the drink will motivate more consumers due to its complex and delicious flavor.
Why do we suggest a sommelier's point of view? The answer is that these people, since they are not only in charge of the wine and spirits service, also basically focus on defining the characteristics, defects and virtues. In short, you must have all your senses developed.
Including all the quality controls that are used in the wine industry, in coffee, would be a great positive point.
That is why in this article we will defend that idea and demonstrate how coffee would increase its quality. If you want to know more about this, then we invite you to continue reading.
Differences between the bean and the capsule. Points in common between coffee and wine?
Although at first glance they seem like two completely different worlds, the reality is that, coffee and wine, share many things in common such as being processed fruits, with a wide variety of profiles, origin, varieties, to name a few.
However, coffee is a more complex product, which means that it requires an equal or greater investment to manage its flavor.
The production of quality coffee requires many procedures such as cultivate its fruits at their optimal state of maturityThe same thing happens with good wine. In most of the coffee farms you go to, they will tell you that the coffee cherries will reach their point of maturity and that is when we ask ourselves: Is it really true? How is such a theory proven?
Through tasting it is possible to discover the profiles of the cup. Fortunately, Incapto Coffee It has its own coffee sommelier, the Q-Grader and professional cupper, Beatriz Mesas. Thanks to it we can guarantee users that they are consuming quality grains.
How to identify the ripeness of cherries?
With a lot of practice and years of experience you can more quickly identify the level of maturity of coffee cherries. But if you are new to this union, don't worry, we will give you a hand.
According to the thesis of E.Cossio from 2010, coffee growers should not overlook the following elements:
-Color variation: Some cherries turn a crimson red, while others turn a little more yellowish.
-Softening of the pulp: Mucilage is a key point. It turns out that by extracting the greatest amount of mucilage in each coffee sample, the ripeness of the cherries will not be as directly identified as the color. In turn, it favors the tasting score.
-Sugar and dry matter: Once maturity is reached, sugar levels and dry matter are maximized. It is at that moment when what is known as Degrees Brix, capable of calculating the solids or total dry matter dissolved in a given liquid.
-Aromatic components: It is one of the most complicated elements to identify, this is because each variety has its aromatic load. Finding them remains one of the best kept secrets.
Is it possible to control the ripeness of cherries?
If you are dedicated to the coffee industry, and would like to apply the processes used with wine, we recommend that you look for an expert agronomist in the area. This way he can guide you to exercise the appropriate technique for coffee beans.
Now, with the appropriate tools to measure sugar levels in the coffee cherries, only those that have reached maturity can be collected. Those who are in charge of this task have refractometers, which is an instrument capable of measuring the refractive index of a material. As well as a tape detailing that the cherries are ripe.
Coffee farmers go to the fields every day, even when it is harvest season.
Effectiveness of applying these methods?
Experts who have used this type of techniques assure that they are 100% effective.
This is due to the information provided by refractometers and other meticulously made observations. When this data is collected, it is transferred to the inventories. Subsequently, the points obtained during the tasting are compared with what was revealed by the refractometer. The results are irrefutable, since high levels are determined in the refractometer, which means that the coffees achieve a better score in the tastings.
Unfortunately, not all coffee growers want to use these processes as they consider it not entirely viable. Many claim that implementing the same parameters as in wine production significantly helps the economic viability of any company dedicated to the coffee industry. Because the beans are subjected to strict quality control and will provide a delicious and optimal cup.
The trick is to collect only ripe coffee cherries, so that the results are positive. Is it hard work? Certainly, but at the end of the day it will be worth it.
Other factors that guarantee quality
The maturity of coffee cherries is just one of the influential elements in the quality of life of the beans. It turns out that there are another series of factors that will help make the drink excellent.
To know about the quality of the coffee you must pay special attention to the details reflected on the product label. In this sheet it will be reflected:
-Origin
-Variety
-Height
-Beneficiary process
-Estate
-Botanical variety (Arabica/Robusta)
In some cases the tasting notes and their score may be reflected. When it comes to a specialty coffee, which means that the beans inside the packaging are in perfect physical condition. That is, top notch. On the other hand, it must have more than 80 points out of 100, within the scale of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). In the case of Incapto Coffee, most of our coffees are specialty and 100% Arabica variety.
Unroasted green beans must not have any first-class defects, otherwise they are disqualified and are not considered specialty. This is when the so-called 'gourmet' coffees appear, the quality of which is always a constant question.
As a coffee company, we will always take care of bringing high-quality coffees subject to the most rigorous controls to every corner. Incapto Coffee will always look for ways to innovate and possibly, thanks to our work, we can integrate more incaptolovers so that they continue enjoying an exceptional cup. Because, we offer sustainable, delicious and affordable coffees.
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