At Rahm Roast, we believe every cup of coffee tells a story—a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and a passion for perfection. Have you ever wondered about the journey your coffee beans take from the farm to your cup? Let's take a deep dive into the intricate process that brings Rahm Roast coffee to life.
The Origin: Sustainable Coffee Farms
Our journey begins in the lush, fertile regions of Guatemala, where the climate and altitude create the perfect environment for cultivating high-quality coffee beans. At Rahm Roast, we partner with small, sustainable farms committed to ethical farming practices. These farms use organic methods, avoiding harmful pesticides and focusing on preserving the natural ecosystem.
The coffee plants flourish under the care of experienced farmers who have honed their craft over generations. Each coffee cherry is meticulously handpicked at peak ripeness to ensure only the best beans are selected. This labor-intensive process reflects each farmer’s commitment to quality, as each cherry is inspected and harvested individually.
The Washing Process: From Cherry to Bean
Once harvested, the coffee cherries undergo a transformation to reveal the beans within. At Rahm Roast, we use the washed process, also known as the wet process, which is renowned for producing clean, bright coffee flavors.
The cherries are first sorted to remove any defective or unripe ones. Next, they are pulped to separate the beans from the outer fruit. The beans, still covered in a layer of mucilage, are then fermented in water for 12 to 48 hours. This fermentation breaks down the mucilage, which is then washed away, leaving behind clean coffee beans.
At Rahm Roast, we take this process a step further and use a proprietary solution to wash the coffee beans which rids them of any contaminants and drastically reduces the risk of mold or spoiling.
After washing, the beans are carefully dried. At our partner farms, this is often done on raised drying beds, allowing for even airflow and sun exposure. The beans are regularly turned to ensure consistent drying and to prevent mold or mildew. This stage can take several days, and the beans are dried until they reach an optimal moisture level of about 10-12%.
The Roasting: Crafting the Perfect Flavor
Dried and processed, the green coffee beans are then shipped to our roasting facility, where the magic of transformation continues. Roasting is an art and a science, and at Rahm Roast, our master roasters approach it with meticulous attention to detail.
The roasting process involves heating the beans to high temperatures, causing chemical reactions that develop the beans' flavors and aromas. Our roasters carefully control the temperature and duration of the roast, experimenting with different profiles to bring out the unique characteristics of each batch of beans.
The beans go through several stages during roasting. First, they are dried to remove any remaining moisture. As the temperature increases, the beans enter the first crack stage, where they expand and release steam. This is a crucial moment, as the beans' flavor compounds begin to develop. Depending on the desired roast profile—medium roast for Rahm—the beans may be roasted further to enhance specific flavor notes.
After roasting, the beans are cooled rapidly to halt the roasting process. They are then allowed to rest, or degas, for a few days to let the flavors stabilize and mature.
The Brew: The Final Step to Your Cup
Finally, the beans are ground and brewed to create the perfect cup of coffee. Whether you prefer a rich espresso, a smooth pour-over, or a robust French press, the quality of the beans and the precision of the roast ensure an exceptional coffee experience.
Brewing is where you, the coffee lover, take over. The grind size, water temperature, and brewing time all play a role in extracting the flavors from the beans. At Rahm Roast, we provide detailed brewing guides to help you achieve the best possible cup, tailored to your preferred brewing method.
A Commitment to Quality
From the careful selection of coffee cherries to the precise art of roasting, every step of the journey is driven by a commitment to quality. At Rahm Roast, we are proud to offer coffee that not only tastes incredible but also supports sustainable farming communities and ethical practices.
So, the next time you sip your Rahm Roast coffee, remember the journey it took to get to your cup—a journey of passion, expertise, and a deep respect for the art of coffee making.
Cheers to a truly exceptional coffee experience!
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