From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup from Udemy

Why do you need to learn about how coffee is grown?

For anyone who simply loves coffee – or wants to work with coffee – it's important to understand its roots (quite literally. )

You need to understand where in the world coffee is grown, what it all starts with (species and varieties), and what makes one coffee different from another. That puts you in a position to speak with coffee growers and co-ops, purchase green or roasted coffee, and understand what goes into exporting coffee.

This course, From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup, will take you on the fascinating journey that coffee takes from seed to cup.

Learn about coffee production with me, a university professor of coffee, the founder of the Latin American Coffee Academy, and the author of Permission to Slurp, a book on coffee tasting.

I will guide you through where coffee is grown, how good coffee is grown and processed, what it all starts with (species and varieties), and why those factors change the tastes in your coffee.

We’ll discuss a bit about coffee history, why coffee is so vital to people, how the social impact of coffee on millions of people around the world, and how you and your business can change people’s lives.

I know this is a complex subject. But I’m going to help you understand it in a clear, easy, and memorable way.

Who needs this course?

Anyone who loves coffee. But even if you don’t love coffee, you probably want to understand what coffee lovers are raving about all the time.

Additionally, anyone who works with coffee needs to understand these basics. For instance:

If you're a coffee shop owner or have an online coffee business, customers will ask you how the coffee you sell was produced.
If you're a roaster, you need to understand how coffee is grown to be able to roast it and get fabulous tastes from it.
If you are a coffee exporter, you need to communicate effectively with coffee growers and understand them when they talk about coffee processes.
If you would like to start a coffee farm and need to understand the basics of coffee cultivation.

This course is a fantastic start for coffee exporters, coffee shop owners, coffee retailers, and roasters who want to get a better idea of where coffee comes from and why one coffee tastes different from another.

I’ll teach you the basics of coffee cultivation fast and easy.

In this fun, dynamic, 1.5-hour course I'll help you understand coffee and coffee cultivation. This multimedia experience has videos, slide presentations, photos, actionable activities, and memory sheets to help you learn, remember, and use this vital information.

Welcome. Let’s get started learning about the roots of coffee.

Do you really need a course?

Can you learn about coffee without taking a course? Sure. There’s plenty of free stuff available online.

But the reality is that wading through everything on the internet takes time. And another reality for people just starting out is that they tend to wade around lost for a long time.

So you’ve no doubt thought of taking a course that leads you directly to the information you need. Taking a coffee course will save you lots of time.

If that is what you're looking for, this course is for you. From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup, will help you get that overview of coffee cultivation that you need.

Fast, simple, and entertaining sounds good, right?

Let’s learn about coffee. I look forward to seeing you in the From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup course. And if you're interested in receiving a free certificate of completion from the Latin American Coffee Academy, get in touch.

If you're interested in learning how coffee professionals taste coffee to determine the quality, check out my Taste Coffee Like a Pro course here on Udemy.

I love to hear from my students - send me an email or message with your coffee questions.

Why should you learn about coffee with a professor?

Frankly, why would you want to learn with anyone but an expert? I live in a coffee-producing country (Colombia) and worked as a coffee professor at the prestigious La Sabana University until I started my own coffee academy.

I have taught coffee professionals from every continent about coffee in Latin America. I have years of experience taking a complicated subject and making it easy and fun.

That's why people call me The Coffee Lady (seriously, you can Google it).

Try the course out to see why most of my students give me a 5-star rating. I'm always here to support you and to answer all of your coffee questions.

What if you don't like coffee?

Many of my students don't actually like coffee. But they recognize that learning about coffee is an essential business and life skill...and along the way, some of them learn to love the brew.

What if your English isn't perfect?

My students live around the world and have learned English as a second language. So don't worry if your English isn't perfect - my students tell me the information I teach is easy to understand (and the videos have captions that I personally edited. ). Also...hablo español, eu falo português, et je parle français.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn where and how coffee is grown, and how those factors affect the tastes in the cup
Understand the social impact of our coffee purchases and choices
Learn about coffee regions around the world and how coffee tastes different

How businesses and consumers can contribute to socially responsible coffee
Who grows coffee...and what sustainable coffee means

Learn where and how coffee is grown, and how those factors affect the tastes in the cup
Understand the social impact of our coffee purchases and choices
Learn about coffee regions around the world and how coffee tastes different
How businesses and consumers can contribute to socially responsible coffee
Who grows coffee...and what sustainable coffee means

Syllabus

Introduction

Why you will love learning about how coffee is grown

From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup Course instructions

What kind of coffee do you like? What do you consider to be good coffee?

The exercise in this lecture is going to help you define what you like and what’s important to you. We’re going to design your ideal cup of coffee – from the roots up!

We’ll do this exercise now, at the beginning of the course, and again at the end of the course.

When you do this exercise at the end of the course, you’ll measure how much you’ve learned about coffee, the people who grow it, and what it means to you.

For now, answer these questions to the best of your ability. If you don’t understand the question or don’t have any answer, don’t worry! By the end of the course you will.

You can download this activity as a PDF below, or simply view and answer the questions here.

Also, feel free to download the Coffee Cupping Form included in this lecture to aid you in tasting coffees later in the course.

You can check out our free resources for coffee tastings at LatinAmericanCoffeeAcademy.org: https://latinamericancoffeeacademy.org/tools-for-coffee-tastings/.

Activity Lecture 3 Design your ideal cup of coffee

Take a moment to imagine your ideal cup of coffee.

Then answer these questions:

1. What region, country, or microregion does the coffee come from? Why do you like that region?

__________________________________________________________________

2. What altitude was it grown at? Why is that important to you?

__________________________________________________________________

3. What species is your favorite? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

4. What variety is your favorite? Why? (You can list more than one)

__________________________________________________________________

5. How is your ideal coffee harvested? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

6. How was your ideal coffee processed, and why do you like that?

__________________________________________________________________

7. Do you have any preferred fermentation processes? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

8. What roast do you prefer? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

It's time to test your knowledge about where coffee is grown and what it means to people around the world.

These questions will help you see what you remember from this section about coffee cultivation and processing.

This explanation of coffee roasting and how it affects the characteristics of coffee will help you pick the best roast for you. Don't forget to do the activity in the What's in a Roast? PDF.

What kind of coffee do you like? What do you consider good coffee?

We've explored this throughout the course, and now we're going to put it to the test.

We're going to do the same exercise we did at the beginning of the course, the Design Your Ideal Cup of Coffee exercise.

Doing this exercise again at the end of the course helps you measure how much you’ve learned about coffee, the people who grow it, and what it means to you.

Take a moment to imagine your ideal cup of coffee.

Then download the PDF below and answer the questions for this lecture (or view them below).

If you need to check back to the lectures, I've included in which lecture you'll find the information.

Design your ideal cup of coffee

1. What region, country, or microregion does the coffee come from? Why do you like that region?

__________________________________________________________________

2. What altitude was it grown at? Why is that important to you?

__________________________________________________________________

3. What species is your favorite? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

4. What variety is your favorite? Why? (You can list more than one)

__________________________________________________________________

5. How is your ideal coffee harvested? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

6. How was your ideal coffee processed, and why do you like that?

__________________________________________________________________

7. Do you have any preferred fermentation processes? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

8. What roast do you prefer? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the journey of coffee from plant to cup, which provides a comprehensive understanding for anyone working with or passionate about coffee

Taught by a university professor of coffee and founder of the Latin American Coffee Academy, which lends credibility and expertise to the subject matter

Examines the social impact of coffee purchases and choices, which is relevant for businesses aiming to promote socially responsible practices

Includes activities to design an ideal cup of coffee, which helps learners apply their knowledge and personalize their coffee experience

Discusses the challenges coffee growers face and how learners can help, which promotes awareness and ethical consumption

Requires learners to define their ideal cup of coffee at the beginning and end, which allows them to measure their learning

Reviews summary

Journey from coffee plant to cup

According to learners, this course provides a fantastic overview covering the coffee journey from seed to cup. Students widely praise the knowledgeable and engaging instructor, often referred to as "The Coffee Lady," who makes complex topics easy to understand, even for those new to coffee. Many appreciate the focus on coffee cultivation, processing methods, and varieties, noting how this knowledge helps them better understand the tastes in their coffee cup. The course is seen as a great starting point for both coffee professionals seeking foundational knowledge and enthusiasts wanting a deeper understanding. Its concise format is generally viewed as a well-structured introduction.

Short course length is often appreciated.

"The course is short and to the point, delivering maximum information without unnecessary length."

"At 1.5 hours, it's perfect for a quick, yet informative dive into coffee origins."

"Loved that it was concise. I could finish it in one sitting and gain a lot of knowledge."

Highlights coffee's human and social aspects.

"I particularly appreciated the section on the social impact and challenges faced by growers. It adds an important dimension."

"Learning about the people behind the beans and the social responsibility aspect was unique and valuable."

"The course doesn't just focus on the plant science; it also discusses the human side, which I found very moving and important."

Valuable for enthusiasts and industry newcomers.

"As a hobbyist, I learned so much about the origins of the coffee I drink. It enhanced my appreciation tenfold."

"Required this course for my coffee business, and it provided essential foundational knowledge about sourcing and processing."

"Great for anyone starting out in the coffee industry or just a coffee lover wanting to know more."

"Whether you're in the business or just curious, this course delivers excellent introductory knowledge."

Covers coffee from plant/seed to final cup.

"This course gave me a complete picture of coffee, from how it's grown and harvested to why different beans taste different."

"I now have a much better appreciation for everything that goes into my morning cup, thanks to understanding the entire process."

"It truly takes you on the journey. Learning about cultivation and processing was eye-opening."

"Loved learning the whole chain - from the soil the plant grows in, all the way to the roasting and brewing implications."

Course content is easy to grasp for beginners.

"Even though I knew very little about coffee farming, this course explained everything step-by-step in a clear and simple manner."

"The way the information is presented, especially on processing and varieties, is very clear. It's not overwhelming."

"I found the content structure logical and easy to follow. It's a great foundation for understanding coffee's complexities."

"Easy to follow and digest. Perfect for getting a solid base understanding without getting lost in jargon."

Instructor's knowledge and teaching style praised.

"The professor is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about coffee, making every lecture engaging and easy to follow."

"I really enjoyed learning from 'The Coffee Lady'. Her expertise shines through, and she explains complex topics in a very understandable way."

"The instructor's passion is contagious, and she makes learning about coffee origins fascinating. I felt motivated to learn more after her classes."

"The lectures were presented clearly by an expert who knows her subject matter inside and out. Highly recommend."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup with these activities:

Review Coffee-Growing Regions

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of the geographical factors influencing coffee cultivation and taste profiles before starting the course.

Show steps

Identify the major coffee-growing regions around the world.
Research the climate and altitude of each region.
Note the typical flavor profiles associated with each region.

Volunteer at a Local Coffee Shop

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Gain practical experience and learn about coffee preparation by volunteering at a local coffee shop.

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Contact local coffee shops and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Assist with tasks such as brewing coffee, cleaning equipment, and serving customers.
Observe the different coffee varieties and brewing methods used.
Ask questions and learn from experienced baristas.

Read 'The World Atlas of Coffee'

Show steps

Gain a broader understanding of coffee origins and processing methods to enhance your learning experience in the course.

View The World Atlas of Coffee 3rd edition: From... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'The World Atlas of Coffee'.
Read the sections relevant to the course syllabus.
Take notes on key concepts and regions.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Review 'Coffee: A Dark History'

Show steps

Understand the historical and social context of coffee production to appreciate the challenges faced by coffee growers.

View Black Gold: The Dark History of Coffee on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Coffee: A Dark History'.
Read the book, focusing on the social and economic aspects of coffee cultivation.
Reflect on the ethical implications of coffee consumption.

Start a Home Coffee-Tasting Journal

Show steps

Develop your palate and sensory skills by documenting your coffee-tasting experiences.

Show steps

Purchase a notebook or create a digital document for your journal.
Taste different coffees and record your observations.
Note the origin, processing method, and flavor notes of each coffee.
Reflect on your preferences and identify patterns.

Create a Coffee Region Comparison Chart

Show steps

Solidify your knowledge of coffee regions by creating a visual aid that compares and contrasts their characteristics.

Show steps

Choose 3-5 coffee-growing regions to compare.
Research each region's climate, altitude, and common varieties.
Create a chart summarizing the key differences and similarities.
Share your chart with other coffee enthusiasts.

Create a Presentation on Sustainable Coffee Practices

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of sustainable coffee practices by researching and presenting on the topic.

Show steps

Research different sustainable coffee certifications and practices.
Gather information on the benefits of sustainable coffee for farmers and the environment.
Create a presentation outlining your findings.
Present your findings to a group of friends or colleagues.

Career center

Learners who complete From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Coffee Farmer

A coffee farmer cultivates coffee plants and manages the harvesting and processing of coffee beans, this course is directly relevant to this role. The course will help a farmer understand how different farming practices impact the quality and taste of the coffee, by detailing various aspects of coffee production. This course provides insights into coffee growing regions, species, varieties, harvesting, and processing methods. This will aid farmers in making informed decisions on their farms. This course helps a coffee farmer improve the quality of their beans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Coffee Farmer

Coffee Buyer

A coffee buyer sources green coffee beans, and this course is directly relevant to this role as it teaches about coffee production from seed to cup. The course covers crucial aspects like where coffee is grown, the different species and varieties, and processing methods, which are all essential for making informed purchasing decisions. A coffee buyer who understands these factors can better assess coffee quality and negotiate with growers and exporters. This course helps build a foundation for assessing coffee quality, understanding the supply chain, and sourcing high quality beans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Coffee Buyer

Coffee Exporter

A coffee exporter is responsible for selling and shipping coffee internationally, and this course is invaluable to them. The course’s curriculum goes into detail about coffee production, including where coffee is grown, and processing methods. This knowledge will enable an exporter to understand the nuances of coffee quality and communicate effectively with coffee growers, which is essential for successful international trade. This course helps an exporter build a foundation for their business. An exporter will improve their communication and relationships with growers to facilitate sourcing consistently high quality beans.

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Coffee Shop Owner

A coffee shop owner manages the operations of a coffee shop, and this course is very useful for anyone in this role. Customers often ask about the origins and processing of the coffee served, so this course’s training on coffee growing regions, species, varieties, and processing is invaluable. Knowledge of these factors allows owners to choose coffees that align with their shop's ethos. This course will aid the coffee shop owner to better educate their staff and customers, creating a more engaging and informed experience. This knowledge helps a coffee shop owner make better choices and better connect with their customers, by having a deep understanding of coffee.

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Coffee Importer

A coffee importer brings coffee from producing countries into their own country, so this course is highly relevant. It focuses on the origins of coffee, detailing the regions where it is grown as well as the different species and varieties. An importer must understand these details to source the best beans. This course on coffee production will help an importer to establish relationships with producers. This course helps the importer make better choices about which coffee to import, and how to market it after import.

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Coffee Quality Control Specialist

A coffee quality control specialist evaluates coffee beans for defects and quality, and this course is highly relevant. The course provides an overview of the entire coffee production process. A specialist can use the knowledge of coffee growing regions, species, varieties, and processing methods to understand what may have affected the quality of coffee beans. This will in turn improve the specialist’s ability to assess and grade coffee. This course can aid a specialist improve their skills and ability to accurately assess coffee.

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Small Business Owner

A small business owner manages the operations of their own business, and this course is valuable for those who operate in the coffee industry. This course details the entire coffee production process, from plant to cup. This will help a business owner understand the nuances of their product. The course covers crucial aspects such as coffee growing regions, processing methods, species and varieties, which are all important for a business owner to know. This course will help a small business owner make informed decisions about their product and their company.

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Coffee Roaster

A coffee roaster transforms green coffee beans into roasted coffee and this course may be useful to them. A roaster needs to understand how coffee is grown and processed to create desired flavors during the roasting process. The course explores the impact of different factors, such as coffee varieties and processing methods, on the final taste, helping a roaster select beans that will lead to desired results. A roaster will make better choices about roasting profiles based on information from this course. This course may help a roaster refine their skills and produce high quality roasts.

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Retail Buyer

A retail buyer purchases goods for resale, and this course can be beneficial for those who purchase coffee related products. The course focuses on coffee's journey from plant to cup and includes important information about coffee varieties, and growing regions. A buyer can use this to choose the best options from suppliers. A retail buyer with the knowledge from this course is well-equipped to make informed choices. This course can improve a buyer's ability to choose high quality coffee beans.

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Sustainability Consultant

A sustainability consultant advises businesses on environmentally and socially responsible practices. The course includes information on the social impact of coffee purchases and choices and how consumers and businesses can contribute to socially responsible coffee, making it relevant for this role. This course will provide a consultant with insight into sustainability in the coffee industry. This course can help a consultant advise coffee related businesses on implementing sustainable practices.

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Food and Beverage Educator

A food and beverage educator teaches about the preparation, production, and history of foods and drinks, and this course may be helpful. The course focuses on coffee's journey from plant to cup, giving an educator a broad understanding. It will provide an educator with specific details on coffee cultivation, such as growing regions, processing, and varieties. This course may help an educator to create more engaging lesson plans by understanding the details of coffee cultivation. This course will help the educator to deepen their understanding of coffee.

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Restaurant Manager

A restaurant manager is responsible for the daily operations of a restaurant, and this course can be useful if the restaurant sells coffee. This course helps a manager learn about where coffee comes from, which may be useful in a restaurant environment. The course covers coffee growing regions, processing, species, and varieties, which can help a manager make informed decisions about which coffees to serve. This may also assist them to educate their staff and customers about the coffees being consumed. This course may be useful for staff at restaurants who want to improve their knowledge of the supply chain.

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Research Scientist

A research scientist conducts research, and this course may be useful to specialists who conduct research on coffee. The course details the entire coffee production process, including the scientific aspects of growing, processing, and roasting. This will help scientists in their research into coffee production and quality. This course may help a scientist gain a deeper understanding of the coffee plant, and production processes. This course may aid a research scientist in improving their research outcomes.

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Agricultural Consultant

An agricultural consultant advises farmers on best practices, and this course may be helpful as it provides detailed insights into coffee cultivation, such as growing regions, species, varieties, and processing. This knowledge directly translates to agricultural consulting by providing a consultant with a strong understanding of coffee cultivation. The details of this course will provide them with the information needed to guide coffee farmers. A consultant who has taken this course can help improve coffee production and quality.

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Supply Chain Manager

A supply chain manager oversees the flow of goods from production to consumption, and this course may be useful to those in the coffee industry. The course details the coffee production process, from growing to processing and exporting. This will give a manger insight into the complex journey of coffee. A manager who is knowledgeable about coffee production will be able to streamline the supply chain, leading to more reliable sourcing. This course may help supply chain managers improve their efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup.

The World Atlas of Coffee 3rd edition

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of coffee-growing regions, processing methods, and flavor profiles. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the nuances of coffee production discussed in the course. The atlas format makes it easy to locate and learn about specific coffee-producing countries. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts.

The World Atlas of Coffee 3rd edition: From beans...

Kindle Edition

Black Gold

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Explores the historical and social impact of coffee cultivation around the world. It provides valuable context for understanding the challenges faced by coffee growers and the importance of ethical sourcing. While not directly focused on cultivation techniques, it adds depth to the course by examining the human side of coffee production. It is recommended as additional reading for those interested in the social impact of coffee.

Black Gold: The Dark History of Coffee

Paperback

From Coffee Plant to Your Coffee Cup

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Journey from coffee plant to cup

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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