The Cranbrook team had the opportunity to discover the world of coffee through a training session hosted by SAAFFI offered by Zuka Green Coffee, a local coffee supplier that is dedicated and passionate about coffee excellence. The training uncovered behind the scenes coffee production, from bean to brew and was led by seasoned coffee professionals who shared years of knowledge about the coffee culture and its place in the flavour and fragrance industry.
The training began with the origins of coffee, dating back to its rich history and the influence it has across the world. Furthermore, they learned about the growing conditions that would produce the finest beans and how altitude, climate and composition of soil combine to produce a range of flavour profiles. Experts uncovered the two main varieties of coffee, Robusta and Arabica, unpacking their unique characteristics, methods of cultivation and flavour profiles. Overall, leaving the team with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craftsmanship that goes into every cup of coffee.
From flowering at the coffee plant, to harvesting and processing mature coffee cherries, the team was taken through the whole farming journey. The team expressed how this was an eye-opener towards the care and precision involved in every step prior to coffee reaching the roasting level. The training included a live session on the roasting of coffee, getting hands-on experience with the roasting process and the various phases that contribute to aroma, colour, and taste of the final product.
Ending the day with a fun and instructive challenge involving the Le Nez du Café, “The Nose of Coffee” aroma kits where participants were tasked to detect various aromas from thirty six numbered vials, matching them with the correct descriptors. Competition was tight, but we’re proud to say that Cranbrook came out on top.
The Cranbrook team expressed how this training was an inspiring journey into the heart of the coffee culture and left with a deeper understanding of the craft, a renewed appreciation for the farmers and roasters who bring it to life. By learning how coffee is grown, processed, and roasted, they gained valuable insight into how different processing methods influence flavour and aroma. Understanding various off-notes such as caramel, green, or earthy tones has helped them refine their ability to identify key aroma characteristics and balance flavour profiles more precisely. This deeper knowledge allows the team to approach coffee-based flavour creation with greater accuracy and creativity, ensuring that Cranbrook’s current coffee range continues to deliver region specific, high-quality taste experiences that truly capture the essence of coffee.
To learn more about our coffee flavours, contact us on support@cranbrookflavours.com
