By Yor Ramírez, president, technical head and master roaster at Procaf and creator of the Café Candela brand

As President and Master Roaster at Procaf, I have dedicated my life to exploring and celebrating the richness and diversity of natural coffee flavors. However, there is a growing trend of artificially flavoring coffee beans to provide a variety of flavors which, in my opinion, distorts the true essence of this precious beverage. Today I want to share with you the methods used to flavor coffee beans and the negative impacts of these procedures.

Methods for Flavoring Coffee Beans

Oils and Extracts

One of the most common methods for flavoring coffee beans is to coat them with aromatic oils or natural or artificial extracts. These oils can be derived from natural sources, such as fruits, spices or nuts, or created synthetically in the laboratory. After roasting, the still-hot coffee beans are sprayed with these oils, allowing the flavors to penetrate the surface of the beans.

Syrups and Additives

Another flavoring technique uses sweet syrups or liquid additives. Coffee beans are soaked in these solutions and then dried before being packaged and sold. This process produces intense and varied flavors, ranging from vanilla and caramel to chocolate and spices.

Flavoring Powders

Flavoring powders are also used to infuse coffee beans with specific flavors. These powders can be mixed with the beans during or after roasting. They adhere to the surface of the beans and dissolve during infusion, releasing the desired flavors.

The Negative Impacts of Flavoring

Quality Masking

One of the main problems with flavored coffee beans is that they often mask the quality of the base coffee. Strong, artificial flavors can cover up the defects of lower-quality beans, thereby misleading the consumer. At Procaf and Café Candela, we firmly believe that each cup of coffee should reflect the purity and quality of the beans used, without artifice.

Health and security

Additives and artificial flavors may contain potentially harmful chemicals. Some flavor oils and syrups contain preservatives, colors, and other chemicals that may have adverse long-term health effects. Preferring unflavored and natural coffee reduces these risks and ensures healthier consumption.

Alteration of Natural Taste

Coffee is a complex beverage with a wide range of natural flavors from the beans themselves. Adding artificial flavors can alter this complexity and reduce consumers' ability to appreciate the subtle nuances of different coffees. Each origin and roast offers unique flavor profiles that artificial flavors cannot faithfully replicate.

Environmental impact

The production and use of flavoring products can have a significant environmental impact. Artificial flavors often require industrial manufacturing processes that generate waste and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the production of high quality coffee, respectful of the environment and its natural aromas, is a more sustainable and responsible approach.

Negative Effect on Coffee Machines

Flavored coffee beans can also cause damage to coffee machines, especially grinders. Oils and syrups used to flavor beans can build up on grinder blades and components, causing blockages and requiring frequent, thorough cleaning. These residues can also alter the taste of subsequent coffees, even after several uses, and reduce the lifespan of the equipment.

Conclusion

At Procaf and Café Candela, we prioritize the purity and authenticity of coffee. We believe that every cup of coffee should be a celebration of its origins, its roasting and its terroir. Flavored coffee beans can provide varied taste experiences, but they are no substitute for the richness and complexity of natural flavors that only premium coffee can provide.

I encourage you to explore the world of natural coffees and discover for yourself the incredible diversity of flavors they have to offer. Your palate, your health, your coffee machines and our planet will thank you.

Yor Ramirez
President, Technical Head and Master Roaster
Procaf and Café Candela