Have you ever wondered about the intricate journey your morning cup of coffee takes before it reaches your hands? At Itadi Coffee, we believe that understanding this journey—the coffee cycle—deepens appreciation for every sip. From the moment a coffee cherry blossoms on the branch in Togo, West Africa, to the rich aroma filling your kitchen, each stage is a testament to nature’s bounty and dedicated human effort. Join us as we explore the fascinating transformation of Itadi Coffee, from bean to brew.
Cultivation: Nurturing the Coffee Plant in West Africa
The journey begins on the fertile lands of the Bonney family farm in the central mountain region of Togo. Here, Itadi Coffee’s indigenous robusta coffee plants thrive in a climate perfectly suited for their growth. Coffee cultivation is a year-round commitment, involving:
•Planting: Young coffee seedlings are carefully planted, often in shaded areas to protect them from harsh sun and to mimic their natural forest habitat.
•Care and Growth: Farmers meticulously tend to the plants, ensuring proper irrigation, soil health, and protection from pests and diseases. This phase can take several years before the plants yield their first harvest.
•Flowering: After about 3-4 years, the coffee plants burst into fragrant white flowers, a beautiful sight that signals the beginning of the fruit-bearing cycle. These flowers are short-lived, soon giving way to the coffee cherries.
Harvesting: The Ripe Red Cherries – A Key to Quality Coffee Beans
Once the coffee cherries ripen to a vibrant red, they are ready for harvest. At Itadi Coffee, this is primarily a manual process, ensuring that only the perfectly ripe cherries are picked. This selective coffee harvesting, known as ‘cherry picking,’ is crucial for the quality of the final cup, as unripe or overripe cherries can negatively impact the flavor of your coffee beans.
Processing: Unveiling the Coffee Bean
After harvesting, the coffee cherries undergo coffee processing to extract the bean from the fruit. Itadi Coffee employs traditional methods:
•Natural (Dry) Process: This is a common method for robusta. The freshly picked cherries are spread out in the sun to dry, often on raised beds or patios. The fruit dries around the bean, and once fully dry, the outer layers are removed manually. This method often imparts fuller body flavors to the coffee.
With us being a vertically integrated farm, we process the coffee cherries(berry's) fas one of the main ingredients for our skincare itadi body.
Roasting: The Art of Transformation for Your Coffee
Once processed and dried, the green coffee beans are ready for roasting. Roasting is a critical step that transforms the chemical and physical properties of the bean, developing its aroma, flavor, and color. Itadi Coffee’s roasting process is carefully controlled to highlight the unique earthy flavor coffee, chocolate notes coffee, and velvety finish coffee of their Togolese robusta, ensuring consistency and quality in every batch. Our coffee is exported from Togo to Southern California where the roasting takes place in Long Beach.
Brewing: From Bean to Cup with Itadi Coffee
The final stage of the coffee cycle is brewing, where the roasted beans are transformed into the beverage we all love. Itadi Coffee’s robusta is versatile and can be enjoyed through various coffee brewing methods:
•French Press: Ideal for a rich, full-bodied cup that emphasizes the earthy and chocolate notes.
•Espresso: Creates a bold, concentrated shot with a thick crema, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
•Moka Pot: A classic method that yields a strong, intense brew, highlighting robusta’s inherent strength.
•Cold Brew: Excellent for a smooth, low-acid, and naturally sweet coffee, perfect for warmer climates or a refreshing pick-me-up.
From the meticulous coffee cultivation on the Bonney family farm to the careful coffee harvesting, traditional coffee processing, expert roasting, and finally, your chosen brewing method, the journey of Itadi Coffee is a testament to dedication and passion. Understanding this farm to cup coffee cycle not only connects you more deeply to your coffee but also to the rich coffee heritage and coffee sustainability practices that define Itadi Coffee. Savor each sip, knowing the incredible journey it has made from the heart of Togo to your cup.