Oct

The Life of the Coffee Bean

While most people are aware that coffee comes from beans, few people realize the many steps it takes to go from a plant to the delicious green coffee beans you can buy in bulk from our online store! Read on to find out the humble life of the coffee bean and how it plays a role in your coffee roasting process!

Coffee Beginnings
The coffee plant is versatile, able to grow from seeds, cuttings, or shoots. However, only some climates work for this sensitive plan, requiring a careful range of temperatures and plenty of water. A coffee plant takes about 5 years to grow from seedling to mature plant, at which time it can produce enough coffee beans to make a pound of roasted coffee!

The Fruit
Coffee beans are actually hidden inside of the fruit of the coffee plant. Often referred to as cherries, this fruit looks like a crabapple or very small cherry, and ranges from green to red. The best-quality coffee is handpicked to ensure that only the best and most ripe cherries are selected for roasting.

Cherry Processing
To get to the “beans,” the fruit and husks of the coffee cherries must be removed. This can be done in the traditional dry method, laying the coffee cherries out in the sun or another hot, dry place, turning them regularly, and ensuring they reach about 11% moisture content. Another method uses water to soften the outer fruit, then the beans are put through a pulping machine. After that, they are submerged into an enzyme solution that removes the outer layer and dried. These can be dried naturally, like the dry method, or dried in special drying machines for a faster process.

Quality Assurance
While these processes can be automated, having a human being involved in the process ensures the best quality. Those coffee roasters with the highest standard source their coffee beans from supplies who hand-sort and check for quality, such as discarding damaged or broken beans. Once the beans are ready, they are packed and shipped to coffee roasters around the world. Lavanta Coffee Roasters in New Jersey works to find the best-quality coffee producers around the world so we can share them in our store and sell those high-quality green coffee beans online!

Searching for the perfect cup? Allow us to assist.

Our curated collection of coffees is crafted for discerning tastes — but choosing the ideal match can still be a journey. Click Need help finding the perfect coffee? to receive personalized recommendations from our team. Whether you seek bold intensity or a delicate balance, we’re here to guide you to your perfect brew.

Ingredients

For the Pork
  • 5 lbs pork butt or shoulder (trimmed and cut into 2 pieces)
  • Salt & pepper (to taste, rub all over pork)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic
  • 1 white onion, sliced

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee ☕
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  •  

Directions

  • In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until combined.
  • Layer the bottom of your crockpot with the sliced onions and garlic.
  • Place the seasoned pork on top of the onion and garlic layer.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the pork.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  • Remove the pork and shred with two forks.

Optional

For a thicker sauce, transfer it to a pot and simmer on the stove for 10 minutes. Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded pork before serving.
Enjoy this tender, flavorful dish with your favorite sides or piled high on a sandwich bun! 🤤

Here’s how to whip it up:

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup whole milk 🥛
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
  • 1 cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee ☕
  • 1 candy cane (or 1/4 tsp peppermint extract)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
  2. Heat gently until small bubbles form around the edges.
  3. Stir in your coffee, vanilla extract, and half of the candy cane (or peppermint extract). Remove from heat.
    Pour into your favorite mug, top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and garnish with the other half of the candy cane.

✨ Pro tip: Sip by a window and watch the snow fall for maximum cozy vibes!

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your technique, this guide will walk you through making smooth, delicious cold brew coffee right in your kitchen.

Why Make Cold Brew at Home?

  • Smoother, less acidic taste
  • Highlights the natural sweetness of beans
  • Customizable strength and flavors
  • Longer shelf life (up to 2 weeks in the fridge)
  • Easy to make in batches for convenience

What Is Cold Brew?

Cold brew is not the same as iced coffee. Here’s the difference:

  • Iced Coffee: Brewed hot, then poured over ice. Quick and bright, but more acidic.
  • Cold Brew: Made by steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water for 12–24 hours. The result? A smooth, low-acid, subtly sweet coffee concentrate.

What You’ll Need

Basic equipment:

  • Coarsely ground coffee
  • Cold or room temperature water
  • Jar (e.g., mason jar),
  • French press, or cold brew maker
  • Fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter

Optional:

  • Spoon for stirring
  • Pitcher or bottle for storage

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home

Method 1: Mason Jar + Strainer

  • Ratio: 1 cup coffee (113g) to 4 cups water
  • Add grounds to jar, pour in water, and stir
  • Cover and let steep at room temperature
    for 12–24 hours
  • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (use a coffee filter for finer clarity)
  • Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
  • Serve diluted to taste with water, milk, or sweetener over ice

Method 2: French Press or Cold Brew Maker

  • Use same 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio
  • Stir to saturate grounds
  • Steep in fridge for 12–24 hours
  • Press plunger or follow device’s straining instructions
  • Store concentrate in the fridge
  • Dilute and serve as desired

Flavor Ideas & Customizations

Try infusing or enhancing your cold brew with:

  • Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cardamom, vanilla beans
  • Sweeteners: Caramel, hazelnut, or flavored syrups (prefer liquid sweeteners for better mixing)
  • Milk options: Almond, oat, coconut, or traditional milk
  • Fruits: Citrus zest, berries, or apple slices for a refreshing twist

Serving Tips

Cold brew is not the same as iced coffee. Here’s the difference:

  • Coffee Ice Cubes: Freeze leftover cold brew in ice trays to avoid watering down your drink
  • Glass or Stainless Steel Tumblers: Keep your brew colder, longer—and avoid plastic aftertaste

Storage Tips

  • Keep cold brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator
  • Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination
  • Lasts up to 2 weeks if kept properly

Enjoy crafting your own cold brew at home—smooth, simple, and exactly how you like it.

Our Brand-New Shiny Website Is Almost Ready!

We’re brewing up something fresh, flavorful, and fabulous behind the scenes. Stay tuned—it’s launching soon!

Need coffee now? Email info@lavantacoffee.com or call (862) 881-4683. We’ve got you covered!

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