EXPLORING COFFEE CULTURE

-STARBUCKS-

It is always a great learning experience when I work with Starbucks. I recently worked on a new collection inspired by coffee-growing regions, along with their habitats and communities. This series not just focuses on the wildlife and the regions, but also on the people who work tirelessly to grow these coffee plants. We also wanted to show the coffee production process involving some important stages, each with specific methods.

Starbucks coffee culture mural by Rohan Dahotre featuring coffee-growing regions, wildlife, coffee production process

Starbucks coffee culture illustration project by Rohan Dahotre featuring Africa coffee-growing region, wildlife, community

Starbucks coffee culture illustration project by Rohan Dahotre featuring Latin America coffee-growing region, wildlife, farmi

Starbucks coffee culture illustration project by Rohan Dahotre featuring Asia-Pacific coffee-growing region, wildlife, farmin

STARBUCKS VIETNAM

Location - Hang Dieu

Each stage of coffee production is vital, contributing to the distinct flavors and qualities of the final brew. The dedication and meticulous efforts of those involved in this process are essential to delivering the rich and diverse coffee experiences enjoyed worldwide.

GROWING AND CULTIVATING

Coffee plants thrive in tropical climates, requiring particular conditions concerning altitude, temperature, and soil quality. The journey begins with planting coffee seeds, which germinate into seedlings. These seedlings are then transplanted into fields, taking approximately 3 to 4 years to mature and produce fruit. Following pollination, the plants develop cherries over several months. Once ripe, these cherries are harvested for processing.

HARVESTING

There are two primary methods for picking coffee cherries.

Selective Picking: Only ripe cherries are hand-picked, ensuring higher quality. This method is labor-intensive but results in superior beans.

Strip Picking: All cherries, regardless of ripeness, are harvested simultaneously. While faster, this approach may compromise quality.

Selective picking is often employed for finer Arabica beans, whereas strip picking is more common in large-scale operations.

PROCESSING AND DRYING

Post-harvest, the cherries undergo processing to extract the beans, which involves removing the outer layers of the cherry. One traditional method is the dry process, where cherries are cleaned and then spread out in the sun to dry. This technique can impart a fruitier flavor to the beans. In some regions, coffee beans are arranged in circular patterns known as "coffee drying beds" or "coffee drying circles" to ensure even drying under the sun. This practice varies by region and may have specific local names depending on the country or community.

RAKING

To promote uniform drying and prevent mold growth, workers periodically rake the cherries or beans spread out on drying beds or patios. This process allows air to circulate freely, ensuring even exposure to sunlight and airflow. Regular raking is crucial to maintain the quality of the beans during the drying phase.

Created in Adobe Illustrator