Yunnan Channel of People's Daily Client
In recent years, China's position on the global coffee map has become increasingly prominent, with not only a surge in consumption but also an important coffee producing country. In this coffee trend, Yunnan, with its unique natural conditions, firmly holds the leading position in China's coffee industry, with planting area and output accounting for over 98% of the country's total, leading the future of Chinese coffee.
Yunnan coffee cultivation has a history of over 130 years, mainly distributed in six provinces and cities including Pu'er, Baoshan, Lincang, Dehong, Xishuangbanna, and Nujiang. As of 2023, the coffee planting area in the province is 1.146 million mu, with Pu'er tea having the largest planting area of 679000 mu.
Coffee Plantation
Yunnan is one of the most suitable places in the world for growing coffee, known as the "paradise of Arabica". Its unique natural conditions have earned Yunnan coffee recognition from more and more people in the industry for its "strong but not bitter, fragrant but not strong, and slightly fruity" characteristics.
Whenever we indulge in that rich Yunnan coffee, have we ever thought about what wonderful journey this dark nectar has gone through? Today, let the reporter take you into the South of Colorful Clouds to explore the truth.
Figure 3: Fine coffee seedlings. Photo by Zhang Jingru. jpg? x-oss-process=style/w10
Premium coffee sprouts. Photo by Zhang Jingru
Everything starts from the seeds. In the coffee growing areas of Yunnan, coffee farmers carefully select different varieties of raw coffee beans as the seeds of hope for the next generation of coffee trees. These seeds carry the hope of a bountiful harvest and the longing for a better future.
As the seasons change, coffee trees bloom and bear fruit, finally ushering in the picking season. Due to the fact that most coffee in Yunnan is grown in mountainous areas, the picking work is mostly done manually. Diligent coffee farmers work from sunrise to sunset, hand picking every ripe coffee bean. Although the cost is high, it is precisely this craftsmanship that ensures the excellent quality of Yunnan coffee.
Figure 5: Selected premium coffee beans. Photo by Hu Zunhui, a reporter from People's Daily Online (2). JPG
Selected premium coffee fruits. Photo by Hu Zunhui, a reporter from People's Daily Online
After picking, the coffee beans undergo exquisite processing. After screening and removing impurities, every coffee bean is guaranteed to be pure and flawless. Next, remove the skin and flesh and enter the fermentation stage, which will bring a rich and layered taste to the coffee and is an indispensable production process.
The drying process precisely controls the moisture content of coffee beans between 9-13%, after which they will be stored properly and undergo sedimentation over time. The storage period may last for several months or even years, depending on the appropriate temperature and humidity.
Figure 5: Fresh coffee beans after peeling. Photo by Chen Zexin. jpg? x-oss-process=style/w10
Peeled coffee beans. Photo by Chen Zexin
When the coffee beans are ready, they will enter the dry grinding stage, remove the shell, and reveal the inner essence. After molting, the coffee beans take on the familiar appearance.
In the quality appraisal process, professional coffee tasters will strictly screen coffee beans based on "major and minor defects" to ensure that each one meets high-quality standards.
Figure 2: Yunnan coffee. jpg? x-oss-process=style/w10
Yunnan coffee
Subsequently, these coffee beans were sent to various parts of the world to satisfy the desires of coffee enthusiasts. During the roasting process, the raw coffee beans are heated to over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the different roasting times give the coffee beans a unique personality and flavor.
The packaging process is crucial to ensure the freshness of coffee beans. High quality packaging must have good sealing to isolate oxygen and moisture, ensuring that coffee beans maintain their optimal flavor for several weeks.
Figure 10: Different types of coffee beans. Photo by Su Hongliang JPG
Different types of coffee beans. Photo by Su Hongliang
When we prepare to brew, the coffee beans are finely ground into powder. It is worth noting that ground coffee beans are highly prone to oxidation, so it is best to grind them immediately before brewing to lock in the purest flavor.
The final extraction step tests the barista's craftsmanship and hard work. The appropriate water temperature, grinding degree, and water powder ratio together create a perfect cup of coffee. When we savor this delicious cup, we may as well contemplate the wonderful journey behind it.
Figure 12: Extraction. .JPG
Hand brewed coffee making
Now, let's immerse ourselves in this wonderful cup of coffee from seed to cup together! Experience the gifts of Yunnan and savor the natural aroma.
Responsible Editor: He Tian
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