DESC:BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a coffee beans processing technique, more particularly to a system and method for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of the coastal area in an enclosed space and processing the coffee beans under that artificial weather condition, thereby enabling the attainment of coffee with a taste profile similar to monsoon coastal coffee.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Most people in the world consume coffee. It is one of the favorite refreshment drinks for many people. However, making coffee beans is a cumbersome task. After maturing, coffee cherries are plucked and are processed typically as soon as possible to avoid spoilage. Different types of coffee cherries processing methods are available that include dry, wet, and honey processing methods. In a wet processing method, the flesh of the coffee cherries is separated from coffee seeds or coffee beans, and then the coffee beans are soaked in water for about two days, thereby a sticky pulp residue (mucilage) attached to the coffee beans becomes softened. Then, the softened mucilage is washed off with water. In a dry processing method, the fresh coffee cherries are spread out on a large surface and left to dry in the sun for a few days to a few weeks. After the coffee cherries are dried, the coffee beans are removed from the dried coffee cherries. In a honey processing method, the flesh of the coffee cherries is separated from coffee seeds or coffee beans within 24 hours of harvest. The mucilage is left on the seed to dry, thereby the fruit fibers stay in contact with the seed during the drying process. Each processing method of coffee provides a different taste and flavor to the final coffee. After harvesting coffee beans, the coffee beans are subjected to different processing techniques to obtain a coffee powder.
[0003] In one such method, the coffee beans generally obtained from the dry processing method are stored in a warehouse for processing in monsoon seasons. Once the monsoon seasons come, the coffee beans are exposed to monsoon winds for a predetermined period of three to four months, causing the coffee beans to swell and lose their original acidity, resulting in a flavor profile with a practically neutral pH balance. Accordingly, the coffee (monsoon coffee) is unique to the Malabar Coast of Karnataka, and Kerala and has protected status under India’s Geographical Indications of Goods Act. The monsoon coffee must be done only during Monsoon. Further, monsoon coffee must be processed only on the South West Coast of India and nowhere in the world. During the monsoon, it may rain or it may not rain or it may not rain enough. So, the volume of rain is very crucial for the processing of the coffee beans and it is not assured. Accordingly, there is a limit to producing and consuming monsoon coffee.
[0004] Various conventional approaches reorder the moisture content in organic materials like tobacco, coffee, etc.; by contacting the Relative Humidity (RH) air. Air’s RH continuously increases or decreases during the process to maintain a controlled differential between the air’s RH and the organic material's equilibrium RH. Hence, the continuous control of RH air allows the moisture mass transfer from the organic material to the environment using independent control of thermal treatment. The overall system may be expensive.
[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need to address the aforementioned technical drawbacks in existing technologies in processing coffee beans at any location similar to monsoon coastal coffee taste within a short time.
SUMMARY
[0006] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a system for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to the monsoon weather condition of a coastal area required for coffee processing, and processing coffee beans under that artificial weather condition. The system includes (i) at least one air pump that is configured to draw air from atmosphere and inject the air into the system and (ii) at least one water container that includes saline water. The at least one water container is fluidly connected with the at least one air pump using a first pipe and is configured to generate a moist air when the air that is injected by at least one air pump through the first pipe is mixed with the saline water in the at least one water container. The moist air includes a saline moisture including a mixture of air and salt water vapour. The system further includes (iii) at least one coffee bean container that includes coffee beans. The at least one coffee bean container is fluidly connected with the at least one water container using a second pipe and is configured to create an artificial weather condition that is similar to the monsoon weather condition of the coastal area for a predetermined time period by receiving the moist air from the at least one water container through the second pipe. The moist air surrounds the coffee beans for the predetermined time period and enables the coffee beans to absorb the saline moisture in the moist air under the artificial weather conditions, resulting in the generation of saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans.
[0007] In some embodiments, the saline water in the at least one water container increases the humidity of the air that is injected by the at least one air pump to generate the moist air, when the air is mixed with the saline water. The moist air includes 85 to 99 % of relative humidity (RH).
[0008] In some embodiments, the saline water has a salinity level in a range of 100-200%.
[0009] In some embodiments, the moist air surrounds the coffee beans for the predetermined time period of 60-80 days.
[0010] In some embodiments, the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are subjected to one or more coffee bean processing steps to obtain coffee powder. The coffee powder obtained from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans has a taste similar to monsoon coastal coffee with respect to fragrance, sweetness, bitterness, after taste, mellowness, and aroma.
[0011] In some embodiments, a pH of decoction of the coffee powder that is obtained from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans is ranging from 5.2 to 5.8.
[0012] In some embodiments, the system further includes a tilting mechanism including a pivot shaft and a hydraulic chamber for tilting the at least one coffee bean container in a controlled manner, which enables continuous or periodic churning and mixing of the coffee beans, thereby facilitating uniform exposure of the coffee beans to the artificial weather condition and ageing of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans.
[0013] In one aspect, a method of creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area required for coffee processing, and processing coffee beans under that artificial weather condition is provided. The method includes (i) connecting fluidly at least one air pump, at least one water container, and at least one coffee bean container with each other using a first pipe and a second pipe. The at least one water container includes saline water, and the at least one coffee bean container includes coffee beans; (ii) injecting, by the at least one air pump, air into the at least one water container through the first pipe by drawing the air from atmosphere; (iii) generating, by the at least one water container, a moist air when the air that is injected by the at least one air pump is mixed with the saline water in the at least one water container. The moist air includes a saline moisture including a mixture of air and salt water vapour; and (iv) creating, by the at least one coffee bean container, the artificial weather condition that is similar to the monsoon weather condition of the coastal area for a predetermined time period by receiving the moist air from the at least one water container through the second pipe. The moist air surrounds the coffee beans for the predetermined time period and enables the coffee beans to absorb the salted moisture in the moist air under the artificial weather condition, resulting in generation of saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans.
[0014] In some embodiments, the saline water has 100-200% of salinity, and the moist air includes 85 to 99 % of relative humidity (RH). In some embodiments, the moist air surrounds the coffee beans in the at least one coffee bean container for the predetermined time period of 60 to 80 days.
[0015] In some embodiments, the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans include a moisture content in a range of 17 to 21% and a sodium content in a range of 400-450 milligrams (mg)/100 grams (g).
[0016] The system of the present disclosure offers a unique and innovative approach to coffee processing by creating an artificial weather condition similar to the monsoon weather of coastal areas for the development of coffees with the taste of monsoon coffees. Hence, the system eliminates the dependency on specific weather conditions. By efficiently reproducing the unique monsoon coffee flavor profile in a controlled environment, this system breaks free from geographical constraints, allowing the production of monsoon-like coffee taste at any location and throughout the year. The process provides a consistent and reliable means of achieving the distinct characteristics of monsoon coffee, offering greater flexibility and overcoming limitations related to seasonal variations in rainfall. That is, the system facilitates the coffee processing “anywhere” and “any time”.
[0017] Moreover, the system of the present disclosure presents a cost-effective and efficient alternative with saline water to generate and manipulate the moist air. Further, the system ensures the precise regulation of humidity levels without relying on expensive overall systems. Additionally, as the system does not depend on monsoon conditions, the system enables continuous processing on a 24/7/365 basis. Hence, the system eliminates the waiting period. This not only minimizes downtime but also significantly reduces inventory carrying costs, providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution for coffee production.
[0018] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates a system for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area required for coffee processing and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition according to some embodiments herein;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a system for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area to the extent required for coffee processing and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition according to some embodiments herein;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a system for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area to the extent required for coffee processing and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition according to some embodiments herein; and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method of creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of the coastal area required for coffee processing and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition according to some embodiments herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0025] As mentioned, there remains a need to process coffee beans to achieve a taste that is similar to monsoon coffee at any location within a short time. Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a system and method for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather condition of a coastal area required for coffee processing, and processing coffee beans under that artificial weather condition. The system and method of the present disclosure enable the attainment of coffee with a taste profile similar to monsoon coastal coffee with respect to fragrance, sweetness, bitterness, after taste, mellowness, and aroma.
[0026] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, preferred embodiments are shown.
[0027] As used herein, several terms are defined below:
[0028] The term “monsoon weather condition” used herein refers to a weather pattern characterized by heavy rainfall and salty winds;
[0029] The term “artificial weather condition” used herein refers to a weather condition that is created by the intentional alteration of temperature, humidity, and ventilation to favour and optimize coffee bean processing;
[0030] The term “saline moisture” used herein refers to a mixture of air and salt water vapour in moist air;
[0031] The term “saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans” used herein refers to coffee beans that absorb the saline moisture under artificial weather conditions; and
[0032] The term “monsoon coastal coffee” or “monsoon coffee” used herein refers to one type of coffee processed on the Malabar Coast of Karnataka, Kerala, and the Nilgiri mountains. The monsoon rain and salty winds of the country help to obtain the monsoon coastal coffee. The parameters of monsoon coastal coffee are a musty, chocolatey aroma and notes of spice and nuts.
[0033] The term “saline water with 100% salinity” is related to creating saline water by dissolving salt in water to achieve a 100% salinity reading on a refractometer.
[0034] The term "saline water with 200% salinity" is related to creating saline water by dissolving a quantity of salt that is twice the amount needed to reach 100% salinity in water, resulting in a solution with a salinity level of 200%.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates a system 100 for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area required for coffee processing and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition according to some embodiments herein. The system 100 includes at least one air pump 102, at least one water container 104, and at least one coffee bean container 106. The at least one air pump 102, the at least one water container 104, and the at least one coffee bean container 106 are fluidly connected with each other using one or more pipes. The water container 104, and the coffee bean container 106 may be in any shape and size.
[0036] The air pump 102 is configured to draw air from the atmosphere and inject the air into the water container 104. The air pump 102 may use an air compression mechanism to draw the air from the atmosphere during the intake phase and compress the air during the compression phase. The air compression mechanism may be a piston-based air compression mechanism. The air pump 102 may include a flow control feature to fine-tune the air output rate when injecting into the water container 104. The air may be generated using other suitable equipment.
[0037] The water container 104 is fluidly connected with the air pump 102 using a first pipe and receives the air from the air pump 102 through the first pipe. The water container 104 is configured to generate a moist air when the air pump 102 injects the air into the water container 104 through the first pipe. In some embodiments, the water container 104 includes saline water. The salinity of the saline water is ranging 100-200 percent (%). The saline water may be made with sodium chloride and water.
[0038] In some embodiments, the saline water with 100% salinity is prepared by adding 13 grams (g) of sodium chloride to 100 milliliters (ml) of water. In some embodiments, the saline water with 200% salinity is prepared by adding 26 g of sodium chloride to 100 milliliters (ml) of water. The salinity level may be measured with a refractometer.
[0039] When the air that is injected by the air pump 102 is mixed with the saline water in the water container 104, the humidity of the air is increased, thereby generating the moist air in the water container 104. The moist air includes a saline moisture containing a mixture of air and salt water vapour. The relative humidity (RH) of the moist air may be 85 to 99 %.
[0040] The coffee bean container 106 is fluidly connected with the water container 104 using a second pipe and is placed with coffee beans to be processed. The coffee bean container 106 is configured to receive the moist air continuously from the water container 104 through the second pipe to create an artificial weather condition that is similar to the monsoon weather condition of the coastal area for a predetermined time period. The moist air surrounds the coffee beans for the predetermined time period and enables the coffee beans to absorb the saline moisture in the moist air under the artificial weather condition, resulting in the generation of saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans. In some embodiments, the moist air may surround the coffee beans for the predetermined time period of 30 to 80 days.
[0041] In some embodiments, the coffee beans are subjected to absorb the moist air that is generated with the saline water having 100% salinity for 31 days and then the moist air that is generated with the saline water having 200% of salinity for 34 days. In some embodiments, the coffee beans are subjected to absorb the moist air that is generated with the saline water having 200% salinity for 60-80 days.
[0042] In some embodiments, one or more perforated sheets are configured inside the coffee bean container 106 and the coffee beans are placed on the one or more perforated sheets. This configuration ensures that the coffee beans are uniformly surrounded by the moist air.
[0043] The saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans may contain a moisture content in range of 17-21 %. A high relative humidity (RH) air from the coffee bean container 106 is sent to the atmosphere. The air exited to the atmosphere may include up to 82% or more than 82% of relative humidity (RH). In some embodiments, a sodium content of the obtained saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans is in a range of 400-450 milligrams (mg)/100 grams (g).
[0044] The saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are subjected to one or more coffee bean processing steps before obtaining coffee powder. The one or more coffee bean processing steps include ageing, polishing and sizing the coffee beans. The saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans may be subjected to ageing in a ventilated bag for at least two months at room temperature. The ageing process may help in reducing the moisture content of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans. In some embodiments, the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans may be dried using hot air to reduce the moisture content using drying machines. The moisture content after ageing process is required to be 13.5% or below. In some embodiments, the moisture content of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans after ageing process or drying may be 12-12.5%.
[0045] The saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans after the ageing period are subjected to polishing process that involves removing the outer layers of the coffee beans. The polishing process may be carried out using a coffee huller or polishing machine. After polishing, the visual appearance of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans is enhanced and the actual whitish color of the coffee beans is revealed. The saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans after polishing are subjected to sizing process that involves sorting or grading the coffee beans based on their size, color, or physical characteristics. During the sizing process, (i) well-monsooned coffee beans are separated by at least one of (a) an oscillating table that separates the coffee beans using centrifugal force or (b) “gravity separator” that separates the coffee beans based on the relative density of the coffee beans; (ii) the coffee beans with similar sizes are segregated using screens (No. 18 and 19); and (iii) black and/or grey-colored coffee beans are separated using electronic color sorters or by manually.
[0046] The saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans may be made into coffee powder using one or more techniques known in the art. In some embodiments, the coffee powder that is obtained from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans has a taste profile similar to monsoon coastal coffee with respect to fragrance, sweetness, bitterness, aftertaste, mellowness and aroma. A pH of decoction of the coffee powder that is obtained from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans is ranging from 5.2 to 5.8.
[0047] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes n number of water containers and coffee bean containers that are connected based on a given design for creating the artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of the coastal area and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition.
[0048] In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured with a tilting mechanism for tilting the coffee bean container 106 in a controlled manner that enables continuous or periodic churning and mixing of the coffee beans, thereby facilitating uniform exposure of the coffee beans to the artificial weather condition. The tilting mechanism may be enabled with a pivot shaft and a hydraulic chamber.
[0049] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a system 200 for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal areas to the extent required for coffee processing and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition according to some embodiments herein. The system 200 includes the following components that are in fluids connections with each other: an air pump 202, a first fresh air pipe 206A, a second fresh air pipe 206B, a first water container 208A, a second water container 208B, a first moist air pipe 214A, a second moist air pipe 214B, a first coffee bean container 216A, a second coffee bean container 216B, a first exit air pipe 220A, and a second exit air pipe 220B.
[0050] The air pump 202 is configured for drawing air 204 from atmosphere and injecting the air 204 via the first fresh air pipe 206A and the second fresh air pipe 206B into the first water container 208A and the second water container 208B respectively.
[0051] The first water container 208A and the second water container 208B include saline water 210. In some exemplary embodiments, the salinity of the saline water may range from 100% to 200% that enables the creation of artificial weather condition similar to the monsoon weather condition.
[0052] The saline water 210 is combined with the air 204 to form the moist air 212. The moist air 212 includes a saline moisture including a mixture of air and salt water vapour. The moist air 212 passes via the first moist air pipe 214A, and the second moist air pipe 214B into the first coffee bean container 216A and the second coffee bean container 216B respectively to create the artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area. The first coffee bean container 216A and the second coffee bean container 216B store coffee beans 218.
[0053] The coffee beans 218 in the first coffee bean container 216A and the second coffee bean container 216B are subjected to absorb the saline moisture under the artificial weather condition for a predetermined time period to obtain saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans. The predetermined time period may be of -65 days.
[0054] A high RH air 222 from the first coffee bean container 216A and the second coffee bean container 216B is sent through the first exit air pipe 220A and the second exit air pipe 220B to the atmosphere. The saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are subjected to further coffee bean processing steps to form coffee powder.
[0055] FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a system 300 for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area to the extent required for coffee processing and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition according to some embodiments herein. The system 300 includes an air pump 102, a water container 104, and a coffee bean container 106. The air pump 102 includes a fresh air inlet 302, and a fresh air outlet 304. The water container 104 includes saline water 306, a fresh air receiving port 308, and a moist air outlet 310. The functions of the components of the air pump 102, and the water container 104 are described in FIG. 1 in detail.
[0056] In some embodiments, the coffee bean container 106 is a tiltable-type container. The coffee bean container 106 includes a chamber 314 that forms an enclosed space inside the coffee bean container 106. The artificial weather condition is created inside the chamber 314. The chamber 314 may be made of 3 millimeters (mm) thick sheet material. The chamber 314 includes a moist air receiving port 312 to receive the moist air from the water container 104 and one or more perforated sheets 316 on which the coffee beans 318 to be processed are placed. The chamber 314 can be loaded up to 1200 kilograms (kgs) of coffee beans. The perforations in the one or more perforated sheets 316 facilitate the passage of moist air.
[0057] The coffee bean container 106 is configured with a tilting mechanism for tilting the chamber 314 in a controlled manner. The tilting mechanism includes a pivot shaft 320, a hydraulic cylinder 324, and a power pack 326 that are configured on a base frame 322. The hydraulic cylinder 324 is configured to tilt the chamber 314 using fluid pressure. The fluid pressure may generate mechanical force that causes the chamber 314 to tilt around the pivot shaft 320. The hydraulic cylinder 324 may include a flow control valve for the controlled operation of tilting. The pivot shaft 320 may serve as a pivotal point around which the chamber 314 can tilt. The pivot shaft 320 may include antifriction bearings that minimize friction and allow smooth rotation. The antifriction bearings may be ball bearings or roller bearings. The power pack 326 provides energy required for the operation of the hydraulic cylinder 324. In some embodiments, the chamber 314 may be configured to tilt gently every hour using the tilting mechanism with a tilt angle ranging from 45-60 degrees.
[0058] The tilting mechanism enables continuous or periodic churning and mixing of the coffee beans 318, thereby facilitating uniform exposure of the coffee beans 318 to the artificial weather condition. With the facility of the tilting mechanism, the moist air in the chamber 314 uniformly surrounds the coffee beans 318 for a predetermined time period and enables the coffee beans 318 to absorb a saline moisture in the moist air under the artificial weather condition. The chamber 314 further includes air tight doors (not shown) at both ends for charging the coffee beans 318 and discharging of saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans.
[0059] As the chamber 314 provides the enclosed environment and is enabled with the tilting mechanism, the chamber 314 favors ageing process of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans without transferring of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans to separate plastic bags. During the ageing period, the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans get exposed to more moist air with the saline moisture for a longer period. After processing the coffee beans, the moisture air is exited through a moist air exit port 328 to the atmosphere.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method of creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of the coastal area required for coffee processing and processing the coffee beans under the artificial weather condition according to some embodiments herein. At step 402, at least one air pump 102, at least one water container 104, and at least one coffee bean container 106 are fluidly connected with each other using a first pipe and a second pipe. The water container 104 includes saline water, and the coffee bean container 106 includes coffee beans. At step 404, air is injected, by the air pump 102, into the water container 104 through the first pipe by drawing the air from atmosphere.
[0061] At step 406, a moist air is generated by the water container 104, when the air that is injected by the air pump 102 is mixed with the saline water in the water container 104. The moist air includes a saline moisture including a mixture of air and salt water vapour. At step 408, the artificial weather condition that is similar to the monsoon weather condition of the coastal area is created, by the coffee bean container 106, for a predetermined time period by receiving the moist air from the water container 104 through the second pipe. At step 410, the moist air is allowed to surround the coffee beans for the predetermined time period to enable the coffee beans in the coffee bean container 106 to absorb the saline moisture in the moist air under the artificial weather condition, resulting in generation of saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans.
[0062] At step 412, the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are subjected to one or more coffee bean processing steps to obtain coffee powder. For example, the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are subjected to ageing for at least two months in a room temperature, and thereafter subjected to polishing, and sizing of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans. The coffee powder obtained from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans has a taste similar to monsoon coastal coffee with respect to fragrance, sweetness, bitterness, after taste, mellowness, and aroma. The coffee powder may be obtained by one or more techniques known in the art.
[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area is created with a moist air that is generated using saline water with 100-200% of salinity, and the Arabica Cherry AA coffee beans are subjected to absorb the generated moist air for 60-80 days according to FIG. 4 to obtain saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans. That is, the Arabica Cherry AA coffee beans are subjected to absorb the moist air that is generated with the saline water with 100% of salinity for 31 days and then the moist air that is generated with the saline water with 200% of salinity for 34 days to obtain the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans. The coffee obtained from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans has been tested by the Coffee Quality Division Research Department, Coffee Board, Bangalore using an Espresso method and the results are given in Table 1.
[0064] Table 1: Results of Espresso method on the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans
Parameters Remarks Scores
Color
(Pale / Gold / Light Brown/Reddish / Brown / Almost Grey) Golden Brown 6.50/10
Bubble size Fine, Microbubbles
Foam Persistency Persistent
Aroma Sweet citrus, mixed berries, dark chocolate aroma 7.00/10
Strength Medium+ 6.50/10
Bitterness
(None/Barely perceived/weak/medium/strong/Very strong) Medium Bitterness 7.00/10
Sweetness
(None/Barely perceived/weak/medium/strong/Very strong) Medium Sweetness 7.00/10
Acidity
(None/Barely perceived/weak/medium/strong/Very strong) Medium Acidity 7.00/10
Positive notes
Flowery / fruity / Citrus / Dried Fruit/Vanilla Fruity, Citrus, Chocolate, berry notes
6.75/10
Defects No defects 10/10
Astringency - 7.00/10
Persistency/Pleasantness Persistent 7.00/10
Total score 71.75/100

[0065] The coffee (decoction) obtained from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans has a pH value of 5.22.
[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more parameters of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans that are processed in artificial weather condition are compared with parameters of naturally processed monsoon coffee beans. The comparison results are tabulated in Table 2.
[0067] Table 2
Coffee/Coffee bean parameters Saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans processed in artificial weather condition (after drying) Naturally processed monsoon coffee beans / (after drying)coffee
Moisture 12.3% moisture 13- 14.5 %
Sodium content 429.46 mg/100g 516.80 mg/100g
pH 5.22 Less acidic

[0068] From Table 4, it is shown that the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans processed in artificial weather condition have a moisture content of 12.3% against 13- 14.5 % for Monsooned Malabar coffees as per Coffee Board of India Standards. Further, a sodium content in the coffee beans plays a crucial role in Monsoon coffee. Higher the sodium content provides a better cup profile similar to monsoon coffee. From Table 4, it is known that the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans processed in artificial weather condition contain higher sodium content, which is somewhat close to the sodium content value of the monsoon coffee. Further, most coffee varieties are acidic, with an average pH value of 4.85 to 5.10. The pH value closer to or above the higher limit may be considered as less acidic which an essential requirement for monsoon coffees is. From Table 4, it is clear that the coffee (decoction) from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans processed in artificial weather condition is less acidic, similar to monsoon coffees.
[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are analyzed for microbiological parameters such as mold and Ochratoxin A and the results are tabulated in Table 3.
[0070] Table 3: Microbiological parameters analysis on the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans
Microbiological parameters Units Methods Results of Analysis
Mold Cfu/g IS 5403: 1999
Reaffirmed 2018 9.0 x 101
Ochratoxin A µg/Kg By HPLC BLQ (Below limit of quantification)

[0071] From Table 3, it is observed that the mold colony-forming units (CFU) in the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are less than 100 Cfu/g and the Ochratoxin A is below the limit of quantification, where the Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is 10 µg/Kg. From this, it is clear that the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are free from food pathogens and safe to consume by end users.
[0072] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather condition of a coastal area required for coffee processing, and processing coffee beans under that artificial weather condition, wherein the system (100) comprising:
at least one air pump (102) that is configured to draw air from atmosphere and inject the air into the system (100);
at least one water container (104) that comprises saline water, wherein the at least one water container (104) is fluidly connected with the at least one air pump (102) using a first pipe, wherein the at least one water container (104) is configured to generate a moist air when the air that is injected by at least one air pump (102) through the first pipe is mixed with the saline water in the at least one water container (104), wherein the moist air comprises a saline moisture including a mixture of air and salt water vapour; and
at least one coffee bean container (106) that comprises coffee beans, wherein the at least one coffee bean container (106) is fluidly connected with the at least one water container (104) using a second pipe, characterized in that, the at least one coffee bean container (106) is configured to create an artificial weather condition that is similar to the monsoon weather condition of the coastal area for a predetermined time period by receiving the moist air from the at least one water container (104) through the second pipe, wherein the moist air surrounds the coffee beans for the predetermined time period and enables the coffee beans to absorb the saline moisture in the moist air under the artificial weather condition, resulting in generation of saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the saline water in the at least one water container (104) increases the humidity of the air that is injected by the at least one air pump (102) to generate the moist air, when the air is mixed with the saline water, wherein the moist air comprises 85 to 99 % of relative humidity (RH).


3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the saline water comprises a salinity level in a range of 100-200%.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moist air surrounds the coffee beans for the predetermined time period of 60-80 days.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans are subjected to one or more coffee bean processing steps to obtain coffee powder, wherein the coffee powder obtained from the salted moisture-absorbed coffee beans has a taste similar to monsoon coastal coffee with respect to fragrance, sweetness, bitterness, after taste, mellowness, and aroma.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a pH of decoction of the coffee powder that is obtained from the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans is ranging from 5.2 to 5.8.


7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a tilting mechanism including a pivot shaft and a hydraulic chamber for tilting the at least one coffee bean container (106) in a controlled manner, that enables continuous or periodic churning and mixing of the coffee beans, thereby facilitating uniform exposure of the coffee beans to the artificial weather condition and ageing of the saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans.


8. A method of creating an artificial weather condition that is similar to monsoon weather conditions of coastal area required for coffee processing, and processing coffee beans under that artificial weather condition, wherein the method comprising:
connecting fluidly at least one air pump (102), at least one water container (104), and at least one coffee bean container (106) with each other using a first pipe and a second pipe, wherein the at least one water container (104) comprises saline water, and the at least one coffee bean container (106) comprises coffee beans;
injecting, by the at least one air pump (102), air into the at least one water container (104) through the first pipe by drawing the air from atmosphere;
generating, by the at least one water container (104), a moist air when the air that is injected by the at least one air pump (102) is mixed with the saline water in the at least one water container (104), wherein the moist air comprises a saline moisture including a mixture of air and salt water vapour; and
characterized in that,
creating, by the at least one coffee bean container (106), the artificial weather condition that is similar to the monsoon weather condition of the coastal area for a predetermined time period by receiving the moist air from the at least one water container (104) through the second pipe, wherein the moist air surrounds the coffee beans for the predetermined time period and enables the coffee beans to absorb the salted moisture in the moist air under the artificial weather condition, resulting in generation of saline moisture-absorbed coffee beans.


9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the saline water comprises 100-200% of salinity, and the moist air comprises 85 to 99 % of relative humidity (RH), wherein the moist air surrounds the coffee beans in the at least one coffee bean container (106) for the predetermined time period of 60 to 80 days.


10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the salted moisture-absorbed coffee beans comprise a moisture content in a range of 17 to 21% and a sodium content in a range of 400-450 milligrams (mg)/100 grams (g).

Dated November 15, 2023

Arjun Karthik Bala
(IN/PA 1021)