Step 1: Identifying Importers
The first step in the green bean sourcing process involves identifying reliable coffee importers. These importers act as intermediaries between coffee producers and roasters, ensuring a seamless flow of high-quality beans. I prioritize importers who share the same values, including sustainability, fair compensation for farmers, and traceability of beans to their origin. Only the beans that score exceptionally well are considered for purchase.
Step 2: Cupping and Selection
Once I receive samples of green coffee beans from our chosen importers, I evaluate the beans for quality and flavor profiles. I assess various aspects, such as aroma, acidity, body, and aftertaste, to determine whether the beans align with my standards and flavor goals.
My selection process and why it sets Good Medicine Coffee apart from the other specialty roasters?
I chose our green beans a little differently than the other specialty coffee roasters and coffee shops out there. Good Medicine Coffee beans are purchased based on rarity, uniqueness in the cup and seasonal availability. Whereas the others need to purchase larger quantities and choose their beans based on what the public desires, I have the luxury of choosing rare, smaller quantities that allow me to be more playful and provide you with a wider range of flavor profiles.
Step 3: Ensuring Traceability
At Good Medicine Coffee, transparency and traceability and quality is what third wave roasting means to us. I work closely with my chosen importer to obtain detailed information about the coffee's origin. I want to know not just the country and region but also the specific farms or cooperatives responsible for producing beans. This information helps me maintain a direct connection with the farmers and ensures fair compensation.
Step 4: Quality Assurance
After the beans leave the importer's warehouse and are delivered to my roastery, I conduct a final quality check. This involves inspecting the bags of beans for any defects, ensuring the beans are stored properly, and verifying overall quality.
Conclusion
For specialty coffee roasters, the journey of green coffee beans from importer to cup is a meticulous and passionate process. Our dedication to sourcing the finest beans from reliable importers, finding unique beans, and prioritizing transparency and sustainability at every step ensures that every cup of coffee we serve is a true work of art.
So, the next time you enjoy a cup of specialty coffee, take a moment to savor the journey it undertook from a coffee farm thousands of miles away to your bag of Good Medicine Coffee – a journey driven by the unwavering commitment of specialty roasters like us.