From Cultivation to Cup: The Coffee Chain

Vom Anbau bis zur Tasse: Die Kaffeekette

The Beginning: Cultivating Coffee Beans

Coffee is more than just a beverage. It begins its life as a small plant in selected regions worldwide. Under optimal climatic conditions, especially in the highlands of countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia, the coffee plant thrives best.

Choosing the perfect location

For coffee cultivation, choosing the right location is crucial. A mix of abundant sunshine, sufficient rainfall, and fertile soil is essential. Most coffee farms are located at an altitude of 600 to 1,200 meters above sea level.

Harvesting and Processing

Once the cherries are ripe, harvesting begins. There are two main methods: hand-picking and strip-picking. After harvesting, the cherries are processed to extract the coffee beans.

Drying and Roasting

Before the beans make their way into our cups, they are dried and roasted. This process significantly determines the aroma and taste of the coffee. There are different roasting profiles, depending on the desired flavor profile.

Transportation and Distribution

After roasting, the beans are packaged and sent to consumers. They often travel thousands of kilometers before arriving at our doorstep in Tegernsee. This process requires careful logistics to ensure the freshness and quality of the coffee.

From Bean to Powder

Many coffee lovers swear by grinding their own beans. This ensures optimal freshness and an intense aroma. There are different grind sizes, from coarse to fine, depending on the preferred coffee preparation.

Preparation and Enjoyment

The last step in the coffee chain is preparation. Whether it's filter coffee, espresso, or cappuccino, the method of preparation has a great influence on the taste experience. A good coffee machine and clean water are essential for the perfect coffee enjoyment.

Respect the Chain

Behind every cup of coffee is a long journey, from the plant to the final product. By understanding and respecting this process, we can appreciate and enjoy every sip of coffee even more.

From cultivation to cup: The coffee chain

The Coffee Roasting Revolution – Erste Tegernseer Kaffeerösterei on a New Pioneering Path

The Erste Tegernseer Kaffeerösterei (ETK) has embarked on a fascinating journey over the past 14 years, always guided by the motto: "Coffee – from the plant to the cup." Their tireless passion for coffee has now led them to Tanzania and Guatemala, where they have launched their own coffee research projects on selected plots of coffee farms. With this, they pursue their vision of "Coffee Transparency" – absolute transparency from cultivation to cup.

Luxury in Transition – A New Understanding of Quality and Time

Over the past 10 years, our understanding of luxury has changed. No longer are big brands the sole focus; rather, values such as quality and time define our concept of luxury. ETK has recognized this and now offers its customers not only first-class coffee but also a level of transparency that is unique in Germany. From cultivation to roasting to price – everything at ETK is traceable.

Fairtrade? ETK Goes a Step Further

With the international transparency concept "The Pledge," they are setting new standards. In partnership with internationally renowned roasters, ETK is combating problematic conditions in coffee cultivation. In addition, the roastery emphasizes the importance of microlots – small quantities of high-quality coffee, for which producers receive a higher price due to their quality. This contributes to improving the living conditions of coffee producers.

A Vision Becomes Reality – The Partnership with Lunji-Estate

The cooperation with the "Lunji-Estate" coffee farm in Tanzania is a milestone for ETK. They enthusiastically report on the second harvest from their "Research Plots" and the impressive quality improvements they are experiencing there. ETK's mission is clear: they not only want to produce the best coffee in Tanzania but also significantly improve coffee quality, sustainable cultivation, and local living conditions.

Coffee from Around the World – Transparency as a Trademark

ETK sources its coffee from countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Congo. As a pioneer in transparency in Germany, the roastery openly discloses its purchase prices and margins. A transparent process that is intended to benefit everyone: from the producer to the coffee lover.

Mario Felix Liebold – A Living Coffee Encyclopedia

Mario Felix Liebold, the mastermind behind ETK, has not only visited numerous coffee farms but has also served as a juror at renowned coffee competitions. His passion: the people in the coffee cosmos. With its involvement in the "Lunji-Estate," ETK can now conduct research directly on-site and further perfect coffee quality.

A Meticulous Approach

The "ETK Research Plot" is active. In collaboration with Paul Maier, a soil expert from Berlin, ETK strives for quality optimization – from improved harvesting methods to new processing procedures. Their goal: to gradually produce the best coffee in Tanzania, without neglecting the aspect of sustainability.

The Farm „El Gigante“ – An Example of Excellence and Sustainability

Over 40 hectares of the farm are untouched forest, in whose shade the coffee plants can grow optimally. ETK places great emphasis on sustainable production, as shown by the reuse of water in wet processing. The dedication and passion of the local employees are reflected in the exceptional Yellow Bourbon coffee produced there.

In summary, the Erste Tegernseer Kaffeerösterei, with its commitment and passion, is revolutionizing the coffee market and driving change in the industry.