Coffee Knowledge

The Coffee Belt

The Coffee Belt is a geographical area that stretches between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. This tropical belt includes some of the world's most famous coffee-growing regions and spans continents such as South America, Africa, and Asia. The area is known for its warm climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil – conditions that together create the perfect environment for growing high-quality coffee. It is here that the finest Arabica and Robusta coffee beans thrive, making the Coffee Belt the very heart of the world's coffee supply. For coffee enthusiasts, knowledge of the Coffee Belt is key to understanding and appreciating the many different flavor nuances that coffee can offer, depending on where the beans originate.

  • 1 Honduras

    Sweet and slightly tangy with notes of caramel.

  • 2 Guatemala

    Spicy, fresh, and fruity.

  • 3 Colombia

    Balanced and lightly sweet with notes of cinnamon and cocoa.

  • 4 Peru

    Light body and sweet with notes of vanilla and almond.
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  • 5 Brazil

    Light body and lightly acidic with notes of citrus and fruit.

  • 6 Ethiopia

    Light body with notes of fruit, flowers, and wine.

  • 7 Sudan

    Rich in flavor, syrupy and sweet with notes of cocoa and spices.

  • 8 Papua New Guinea

    Full-bodied with sweetness and flavors of ripe fruit.
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The journey of the coffee bean


The journey of the coffee bean extends from the lush fields of tropical regions to your cup of coffee. Each bean's journey starts with careful cultivation and harvesting on coffee plantations, followed by complex processing and roasting. This journey affects the taste, aroma and quality of the final cup of coffee. 

Processing, which takes place before the coffee is packed and shipped, usually takes place by Sun drying, Washing, Pulped Natural (drying and washing) or Honey Process (slow drying under humid conditions). The processing leaves a green kernel or 'coffee bean' from the coffee berry.
The green coffee bean can last up to 2 years before roasting.

The coffee plant, Coffea, belongs to the Rubiaceae family and has over 120 species, of which the best known are Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora (Robusta). The plant produces berries, also called coffee berries, which contain the coffee beans. Arabica is known for its milder and more complex taste, while Robusta has a stronger and more bitter profile with higher caffeine content.

Coffee plantations


Coffee plantations form the backbone of global coffee production and play a central role in cultivating high-quality coffee beans. They are strategically located in tropical areas, particularly along the equator, where climate and soil conditions are optimal for the coffee plant. These ideal conditions include high temperatures, ample rainfall, and fertile soil. Plantations vary in size and range from small family-owned farms to large commercial enterprises.

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    Climate

    Coffee plants thrive best in tropical and subtropical climates with moderate to high rainfall and steady temperatures year-round. Ideal temperatures typically range from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius.

  • Højde Kaffe Home Roast

    Height

    The altitude at which coffee plants are grown directly affects their flavor profile and quality. In general, higher altitudes produce coffee beans with greater complexity and finer aromas.

  • Jord fhold Kaffe Home Roast

    Soil

    Coffee plants thrive best in well-drained, porous soil rich in nutrients. Soil with an acidic touch is often ideal for coffee plantations as it promotes optimal growth and development of the beans.

  • Skyggeforhold Kaffe Home Roast

    Shade conditions

    Some coffee plantations practice shade farming, where coffee plants are grown under natural shade from larger trees. This creates a microclimate that is more stable and less exposed to extreme temperatures.

  • Vanding Kaffe Home Roast

    Water and care

    Regular watering is essential for the health and yield of the coffee plant. At the same time, the plants require proper pruning and care to ensure optimal growth and high quality in the beans.

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Coffee roasting


Coffee roasting is an art form that transforms raw coffee beans into the aromatic, brown beans we know and love. This process is crucial to developing the coffee's flavor and aroma. When roasted, the beans undergo chemical reactions where sugars and acids caramelize, creating complex flavor notes. Roasting duration and temperature affect the profile of the coffee – from light roast with fruity and acidic tones to dark roast with rich, chocolatey flavours. 

Roast at home

Coffee roasting phases

  • Kafferistning tørring Home Roast

    Drying

    The moisture in the bean evaporates at high heat.
  • Kafferistning gulning Home Roast

    Yellowing

    The bean turns a yellowish hue and the scent of hay.
  • Kafferistning første pop Home Roast

    First pop

    Accumulation of CO2 causes the bean to grow and 'pop' like popcorn.
  • Kafferistning udvikling Home Roast

    Development

    Duration and temperature determine whether the coffee is roasted light, medium, or dark.
  • Kafferistning andet pop Home Roast

    Other pop

    Roasting can continue to the second crack for an extra dark roast, where the oils become prominent.
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Coffee Roaster Air

Coffee brewing


Coffee brewing is an art that uses different techniques to create the perfect cup of coffee. Each method highlights unique aspects of the coffee's flavor profile and can be customized to taste. The most popular methods include:

  • Kaffebrygning Stempelkande Home Roast
    French Press

  • Kaffebrygning Pour-over Home Roast
    Pour-over
  • Kaffebrygning drip Home Roast
    Drip coffee
  • Kaffebrygning Moka Pot Home Roast
    Moka Pot
  • Kaffebrygning Espresso Home Roast
    Espresso
  • Kaffebrygning Tyrkisk kaffe Home Roast
    Turkish coffee
  • Kaffe groft kværnet Home Roast
    Coarsely Ground
  • Kaffe groft-mellem kværnet Home Roast
    Coarse-medium grind
  • Kaffe mellem kværnet Home Roast
    Medium grind
  • Kaffe mellem-fint kværnet Home Roast
    Medium-fine grind
  • Kaffe ekstra-fint kværnet Home Roast
    Finely ground
  • Kaffe ekstra-fint kværnet Home Roast
    Extra fine grind
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Espresso and Grinder
Pour-Over Set

Water

Water plays a decisive role in the quality and taste of coffee brewing. It is important to choose and adjust the water quality, temperature and other factors to achieve the best cup of coffee with the desired taste and aroma.

  • Extraction

    The water extracts flavor, oils and soluble substances from the coffee beans during brewing. To ensure a complete and balanced extraction, the water must be of high quality.

  • Taste and aroma

    Mineral content and purity directly affect the taste and aroma of the coffee. Too much chlorine or hard minerals can result in a bitter or metallic taste, while soft water can give a more balanced taste.

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    Temperature

    An optimal brewing temperature of 90-96°C ensures effective extraction of flavors without overheating the beans.

  • Relationship with types of coffee

    Different types of coffee require tailored water conditions. Lightly roasted beans benefit from hotter water to enhance their complex flavors, while dark roasted beans thrive with slightly cooler water to avoid over-extraction.

  • Brewing methods

    The role of water varies with the brewing method. Pour-over and espresso require precise control and timing to ensure the desired coffee experience.

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Kaffekværn Home Roast

Coffee Grinding

Grind the coffee immediately before brewing for optimal taste and as many aromas as possible. Uniform grinding of the beans and the degree of grinding are of great importance for taste and aromas in different brewing methods.

The degree of grinding determines how quickly the water can penetrate the coffee during brewing. A grind that is too coarse can result in an underdeveloped flavor, while a grind that is too fine can result in a bitter and over-extracted coffee. The right degree of grinding depends on your brewing method.


Grinding degree:

  • Finely ground: For fast brewing methods such as espresso, where increased surface area ensures good extraction.
  • Medium grind: For mild and full-bodied brews such as pour-over and filter coffee.
  • Coarse ground: For French-press and cold brewing, where less surface area and longer brewing time ensure good extraction.


Grinder Choice: There are two main types of coffee grinders: leaf grinders and burr grinders. Blade grinders chop the beans unevenly, which can lead to an uneven brew, while burr grinders grind the beans evenly, resulting in smoother extraction and better flavor.

Coffee Grinders

Green coffee beans


Coming soon to Home Roast!

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Milk Frothing and Latte Art

Learn to master milk frothing and latte art with our detailed guide. Get tips on how to froth milk perfectly and create classic latte art designs like hearts and rosettes. Perfect for home baristas looking to take their coffee brewing to the next level.

Milk Frothing and Latte Art
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Your guide to milk-based coffee drinks

Get a complete guide to the most popular milk-based coffee drinks like latte, cappuccino, flat white, and more. Learn about the differences in taste, texture, and ingredients, and find the coffee type that best suits your preferences. Perfect for the home barista!

Your guide to milk-based coffee drinks
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The Fascinating History of Coffee

Dive into the origins of coffee in Ethiopia and follow its exciting journey through Arabia and Europe to the entire world. Explore how coffee culture has evolved over time and the role it plays today.

The Fascinating History of Coffee
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Coffee and the Brain

Discover how coffee affects cognitive abilities, productivity, and creativity according to research. Read about both the positive and negative effects of caffeine on concentration and sleep, and how balanced consumption can optimize the benefits. Learn more about the science behind it.

Coffee and the Brain
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Coffee: A Catalyst for Development

Follow coffee's journey from its roots in Ethiopia to becoming a driving force behind European enlightenment and the industrial revolution. Explore how coffee has sparked innovation, shaped political ideas, and created social changes throughout history.

Coffee and Development
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