BEHIND THE CRAFT
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Coffee Craft: Processing the Cherries

The Dry Method

Freshly picked cherries are simply spread out on huge surfaces to dry in the sun. To prevent spoiling, they are re-raked and turned throughout the day and covered at night. When the moisture content of the cherries drops to 11 percent, the drying process is complete.

The Wet Method

With this method, the freshly harvested cherries are passed through a pulping machine where the skin and pulp are separated from the bean. The beans are then separated by weight using water, the heavier riper sinking to the bottom.

A series of rotating drums then separate the beans by size, after which the beans are transported to large, water-filled fermentation tanks, where naturally occurring enzymes remove the mucus-like layer (the parenchyma) from the outside of the bean. Once complete the bean is rough to the touch.  The beans are rinsed by being passed through additional water channels. The beans are now ready to be dried.

FGCO12118

Red Dragon Mocha Java Roasted Coffee Beans 250g

Net Weight: 250g

A Signature blend, named in tribute to 'The Red Dragon', the flagship on the very first East India Company voyage reaching Java in 1602. Deep and rich, blending Yemeni Mocha and Java beans.

The East India Company - Lifestyle

Coffee

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£15.00
A classic blend of Arabica beans from the Indonesian island of Java and from Mocha in Yemen.

It was the Dutch who smuggled in coffee seedlings into Bali, Java and Sumatra in the 1600s, keen to grow and capitalise on the growing global coffee trade.

The equatorial climate was favourable with numerous mountaineous areas for the altitude required for succesful coffee growth, and Indonesia has become the 4th largest coffee producer in the world.
The second bean of the blend is Mocha.

The Yemeni port of Mocha was the major marketplace for Arabica coffee from the 15th century until the early 18th century. The beans, of Ethiopian origin, are grown at higher ground inland and are prized for their distinctive complex flavor.

We've named our blend in a fitting tribute to ‘The Red Dragon’, the flagship on the very first East India Company voyage, which established The Company’s first trading post in Bantham, Java in 1602.
A full-bodied smoky cup with hints of Cherry and Cinnamon.
The following guidance assumes the use of a cafetiere – we can provide other grinds if you prefer.

Freshly ground Red Dragon coffee to a course grind.

Use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 220ml [an average mug or large cup size].

Filtered water is best, poured on the coffee just under the boiling point.

Brew for 3 to 5 minutes.
If you would like you coffee beans to be freshly ground by our team, please add your requirement at the checkout.

Grind level options are:

1: Extra Fine - for Turkish
3: Fine - for Espresso Machine
5: Medium - for Drip
7: Medium-Course - for Home Coffee Maker
9: Course - for Cafetiere
Origin: Java, Yemen
Bean: 100% Arabica
Body: 4/5
Acidity: 4/5
Roast Type: Full City Dark Roast
We are happy to grind your beans for you of course - your ground coffee will remain at its best for a few weeks once opened.

If you plan to use over an extended period, we recommend buying whole beans and to then grind only the exact amount required for each drinking occasion. Using a 'burr' grinder avoids heating up the beans as regular blade grinders do.

Store your beans or your ground coffee in an airtight container, in a cool [not refrigerated], dark place, away from other flavours. This will best preserve your coffee’s freshness and flavours.

Stories

The Story of the French Press

A little like the tea bag, what came to be known as the French Press was probably invented by accident.

Legend has it that an unnamed Frenchmen was preparing a pot of coffee on an open fire in the 1850s, when he realised he forgotten to add the coffee first. Adding it later meant the coffee grounds sat on the surface and wouldn’t brew properly. So, with a metal stick, he pushed a small piece of metal screen to the bottom, carrying with it the coffee grounds. Expecting the worst, the coffee was the best he had ever had. A new way of brewing coffee was invented.
Maybe that’s what happened.

What is true is the first patent issued for a coffee making device that closely resembles the modern French Press was by Attilio Callimani in 1929, an Italian from Milan, by which time Italian’s referred to it as a Cafetiere.

Nowadays, cafetieres are generally made with Borosilicate glass, which is very strong, together with stainless steel. It’s a cost effective and easy way of making an outstanding cup of coffee.

Our spirit delivers no ordinary products

  • FAQ

    What is the difference between Robusta beans and Arabica beans?
    Robusta and Arabica are simply the 2 main species of the coffee plant. Arabica is thought to be indigenous to Arabia and grows best at higher altitudes with shade and rainfall required, thus tending to be a little more expensive than the easier to grow Robusta. Arabica now accounts for the majority of coffee consumed, because the flavour is smooth and has a natural sweetness, with chocolate and berry undertones, whereas robusta can be quite bitter with a slightly burnt after taste - but is higher in caffeine and produces a better crema in an espresso.

    What sort of grind should I buy – I know there are different grades. Or should I buy beans?
    If you are an occasional coffee drinker then you probably don’t have a coffee bean grinder, in which case, the grind to buy depends on how you intend to brew your coffee. A French Press or Cafetiere requires a course grind and a longer brew, whilst making in the Turkish style means extra fine is required for this distinctive very strong brew. Do make sure you keep your ground coffee in a cool, dark place, well wrapped up. A coffee grinder can be good investment that allows you to buy beans which stay fresher for longer.

  • Delivery & Returns

    UK Standard Delivery: £3.95
    UK Next Day Delivery (mainland UK only): £9.95 (Order before 12pm)
    International Delivery is available, please see our delivery page for details. For more information and Terms & Conditions, please see our Delivery page.

  • Reviews

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