From Bean to Brew: The Journey of Coffee at St Martin’s

Have you ever wondered what makes a cup of coffee taste just right? It’s more than the beans. At St Martin’s Café, every cup tells a story from the farm where the beans grow to the moment it hits your table. In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the coffee journey, showing how expertise, care, and passion create the perfect brew.

The Origins: Where Coffee Begins

Every great coffee starts at the farm. Coffee beans are grown in regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil, where climate, soil, and altitude shape their flavour. At St Martin’s Café, only premium, ethically sourced beans are cut. Sourcing from trusted growers ensures each batch has consistent quality and a unique character, from fruity and bright notes to rich, chocolatey undertones.

Understanding your beans’ origin helps you appreciate the complexity behind a simple cup of coffee. Did you know a single coffee plant can produce cherries that weigh just 1–2 grams? Each cherry contains two beans, and each bean holds the potential for a perfect sip.

Roasting: Bringing Out the Flavour

Once beans arrive, roasting transforms them from raw seeds into aromatic gems. This is where experience matters most. St Martin’s Café works closely with expert roasters to tailor roast profiles for each variety, highlighting the beans’ natural flavours.

Key roasting tips:

• Light roasts preserve fruity, acidic notes.

• Medium roasts balance sweetness and body.

• Dark roasts deliver bold, smoky flavours.

Roasting is a delicate process. A few seconds too long or a degree too hot can change the taste entirely. This is why expertise and precision are essential and why St Martin’s ensures every batch is carefully monitored.

Grinding: Precision for the Perfect Brew

Next comes grinding. Coffee may be roasted perfectly, but a poor grind can ruin the cup. Baristas at St Martin’s Café adjust grind size depending on the brewing method:

• Espresso: Fine grind for rich, creamy extraction.

• Pour-over: Medium grind to enhance clarity and aroma.

• French press: Coarse grind for full-bodied flavour.

Grinding just before brewing preserves freshness, aroma, and taste. This small step is a game-changer for flavour.

Brewing: Art Meets Science

Brewing is where everything comes together. At St Martin’s Café, skilled baristas combine science and art: controlling temperature, water flow, and extraction time. Whether it’s a smooth cappuccino, an intense espresso, or a refreshing iced latte, the goal is consistent quality with every cup.

Why it matters:

• Temperature affects solubility; too hot can burn the coffee.

• Water-to-coffee ratio influences strength.

• Timing impacts flavour balance.

By following precise brewing techniques, St Martin’s Café ensures each cup reflects the beans’ personality and the barista’s skill.

Beyond Coffee: Experience and Atmosphere

Coffee is more than a drink; it’s an experience. St Martin’s Café pairs expertly brewed beverages with a relaxing, coastal-inspired setting, making each visit memorable. From catching up with friends over a latte to savouring a quiet moment with a book, the café’s ambience enhances the coffee journey.

Tips for Brewing Coffee at Home

Want to try café-quality coffee at home? Here are a few expert tips:

1. Buy fresh, whole beans, not pre-ground.

2. Store beans properly airtight container, away from light.

3. The taste of filtered water comes from water, too.

4. Experiment with grind size and brewing time. Small changes make a big difference.

5. Measure your coffee consistent ratios give consistent results.

These small habits can dramatically improve your at-home coffee experience.

Conclusion

The journey from bean to brew is intricate, combining quality beans, expert roasting, precise grinding, and skilled brewing. At St Martin’s Café, every cup is crafted with care, expertise, and a touch of love. Next time you take a sip, remember the story behind it from distant farms to your hands; every step matters.

Curious to experience it yourself? Visit St Martin’s Café and taste the difference firsthand. Which coffee would you try first, a bold espresso or a creamy cappuccino?