Why do coffee beans need fermentation? Does fermentation brings coffee beans special flavor?
Why do coffee beans need fermentation?
Does fermentation bring special flavor? What is added in the fermentation sink? As far as I know there are two ways to make coffee beans, one is by water wash, the other is sun dry. Do both ways need fermentation or only water wash need fermentation?
3 Responses
Glenn B
09 Feb 2010
phillip f
09 Feb 2010
http://www.hollandbymail.com/coffee/coffee_bean_to_cup.html#
ProcessingIn the second stage of wet processing the coffee beans are fermented in large water containers. The object of the fermentation process is not only to dissolve any remaining fruit flesh, but also to remove the sticky film surrounding the coffee beans, which is not water soluble. This part of the procedure, which lasts approximately two days, is very important. The long period of fermentation is what first gives the coffee its rich aroma and special flavour.
Stappy
09 Feb 2010
Not all coffee beans are fermented. Fermentation is part of the wet process of removing the fruit from the bean. In the dry process this fermentation does not happen.
Yes, fermentation can add a special flavor to the bean but if done incorrectly can make them taste very wrong.
Check out the Holland By Mail article for an in depth look at the life of a coffee bean.
Here ya go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_processing