#18: Anaerobic Fermentation: Building Our Coffee Vocabulary
May 19, 2020
auto_awesome
In this podcast, the host discusses the confusion and misuse of terminology surrounding anaerobic fermentation in the specialty coffee industry. They explore the complexity of language in describing coffee processes and the need for standardized definitions. The speaker proposes an alternative term, 'microbial demucillegination', to accurately describe the process. They also emphasize the importance of understanding fermentation's role in coffee production and challenging misconceptions about achieving specific flavors. Lastly, they highlight the importance of education and avoiding commoditization in the coffee industry.
31:56
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The specialty coffee industry needs clear and accurate language to describe coffee processing methods, particularly anaerobic fermentation, in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Recognizing the role of microbial agents in coffee fermentation is crucial for understanding flavor development and attributing flavor changes to the coffee itself rather than solely to equipment.
Deep dives
The Confusion Surrounding Anaerobic Fermentation
The podcast episode dives into the confusion and misuse of the term 'anaerobic fermentation' in the specialty coffee industry. The host emphasizes the need for clear and accurate language when discussing coffee processing methods. The distinction is made between passive rotting, which historically characterized coffee processing, and intentional fermentation aimed at flavor development. The redundancy of using 'anaerobic fermentation' when all fermentation is anaerobic is highlighted, suggesting that the term is misleading and contributes to the confusion. The importance of giving credit to the microbial agents responsible for flavor changes is stressed, rather than focusing solely on the equipment used in the process. The host suggests using more specific terms such as 'dry fermentation' and 'submerged fermentation' to describe different processing methods with clarity and precision.
The Need for Linguistic Precision in Coffee Processing
The episode explores the linguistic challenges faced when describing coffee processing, particularly in relation to the terminology used to define fermentation. The host argues for the necessity of having more distinct and accurate words to describe various aspects of coffee processing, especially when it comes to the breakdown of the coffee fruit. A comparison is made to the wine industry, where specific terms like 'viniculture' and 'enology' are used to differentiate between grape growing, winemaking, and the wine industry itself. The lack of specific terminology in the coffee industry is seen as a hindrance to effective communication and understanding. The importance of language in reflecting values and understanding processes is emphasized.
The Role of Microbes in Coffee Fermentation
The podcast episode emphasizes the essential role of microbes in coffee fermentation and the impact they have on the flavor profile of the final product. The host debunked the notion that equipment, such as stainless steel tanks, is solely responsible for flavor changes in coffee fermentation. Instead, the focus is shifted to the microbes present in different environments and how they interact with the coffee. The importance of recognizing the microbial agents and their contribution to flavor development is emphasized, rather than attributing flavor solely to the equipment used. The need for accurate and specific language when discussing the microbial activity in coffee fermentation is highlighted.
Challenges and Pitfalls in Specialty Coffee Processing
The episode delves into the challenges and pitfalls present in specialty coffee processing. The host expresses concern over the inconsistent and overused terminology surrounding coffee processing methods, which can lead to confusion within the industry. The impact of such confusion is felt throughout the supply chain, from producers to exporters and buyers. The disconnect between terminology used by different parties further perpetuates the confusion. The host urges producers, buyers, and consumers to be wary of equipment-focused marketing tactics and instead focus on the people and origins behind the coffee. The importance of valuing the processing and origins of coffee to democratize quality and shift power imbalances is emphasized.
In today's Making Coffee Podcast episode, we're taking a deep dive into anaerobic fermentation and how language reflects values.
Specialty coffee is a young industry. In the consumer space we have only recently started to differentiate between processing styles like natural, washed and honey and now we’re jumping off the deep end into the microbiology of these processing styles.
I wanted to record this episode because many Green Buyers ask me what Coffee Producers mean when they label their coffee like this and Coffee Producers ask me what the Green Buyers mean when they ask them for an anaerobic process.
Both parties expect the other one has the answers.
Even if the words are poorly understood they are still copied, pasted and repeated so much that they become familiar through sheer repetition.
We see them so much that we can sometimes convince ourselves that we know what everyone is talking about, or we assume that at least they must know what they are talking about.
But in my observations, it seems like at this point everyone has their individual, personal, un-scientific definition.
And this is a problem because when everyone defines the words differently, we undermine the point of language to communicate.
To Support this Podcast and become a Patron CLICK HERE
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode