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fies how a strategic business approach and a commitment to develop new and unique flavor compounds for coffee.
to perfecting the craft of coffee making can lead to industry As his understanding deepened, he started crafting his
recognition. In central Pennsylvania, Java Momma com- own protocols for coffee processing.
bines coffee and shipping services, offering convenience Wilton emphasizes the importance of control in the
to the community and showcasing the potential for coffee complex coffee processing journey. According to him,
shops to diversify their income streams. Meanwhile, Sip meticulous management of conditions yields distinctive
and Ship in Seattle takes an unconventional approach by flavors, ensuring the preservation of each varietal’s in-
combining coffee, mailing and notary services, and a gift trinsic attributes.
boutique under one roof, creating a unique space that caters At the forefront of coffee processing innovation,
to various needs. Wilton employs a unique method for his coffees:
The journey doesn’t end there; we delve into the
realm where fiction meets reality, exploring coffee shops 1. Selective Harvesting: Ripe cherries are carefully handpicked.
inspired by beloved novels and movies. From The Curi- 2. Sterilization: The cherries undergo sterilization using
ous Café in Nottingham, offering an Alice in Wonder- ozonated water and ultraviolet light.
land-themed experience and providing employment 3. Depulping: The coffee is depulped, and an anaerobic yeast
opportunities for individuals with learning difficulties, fermentation occurs in bioreactors for 52 hours.
to Singapore’s Platform 1094, immersing patrons in the 4. Thermal Shock: After fermentation, the coffee seeds
wizarding world of Harry Potter, we witness how these experience a thermal shock. Initially, high temperatures
Wilton Benitez
establishments create a magical atmosphere that tran- swell the beans, allowing the unique flavors and aromas
scends the typical coffee shop setting. from the anaerobic yeast fermentation to penetrate the
Join us in this issue as we unravel the stories of seeds. Subsequently, a cold temperature constricts the
In the heart of coffee farming, we encounter pioneers those who have embraced the unconventional, proving beans, locking in these distinctive characteristics.
like Wilton Benitez, a Colombian coffee producer, and that innovation and success can flourish even in an in- 5. Rinsing/Washing: The coffee seeds are gently rinsed
Edwin Martinez, CEO of Onyx Coffee, who have redefined dustry steeped in tradition. From the farms to the cafes, or washed.
the cultivation process. Wilton’s experimental coffee pro- and from roasting techniques to unique business models, 6. Controlled Drying: The coffee undergoes controlled
cessing techniques, rooted in fermentation technology, the unconventional journey in the world of coffee awaits. drying until the beans reach 10.5% internal humidity.
showcase how meticulous control over conditions can yield
distinctive flavors, pushing the boundaries of what is tra- Revolutionizing Coffee Farming Wilton’s unconventional use of thermal shock is a
ditionally known in coffee production. Meanwhile, Edwin distinctive feature of his process. This method involves
introduces us to the lesser-known yet significant world of Coffee farming is undergoing a revolution, with subjecting the coffee seeds to both hot and cold tempera-
Coffee Blossom Honey, an innovative byproduct that not farmers adopting novel techniques that challenge tradi- tures strategically, enhancing the development and
only enhances coffee plant health but also provides a unique tional practices. These innovations go beyond mere preservation of unique flavors and aromas. Wilton’s
and delicate taste experience, contributing to the econom- cultivation; they shape the flavor and quality of the approach, rooted in his chemical engineering background
and years of coffee growing and tasting experience, re-
ic well-being of Guatemalan farmers. coffee we enjoy. Unconventional approaches, from flourish even in an industry steeped in tradition.
Transitioning to the roasting stage, we meet vision- unique cultivation methods to experimental fermentation sults in some of the most nuanced and exceptional coffees
aries Antonio Durbe and Daniele Tummei, creators of processes, are redefining the coffee farming landscape. in the industry. His groundbreaking and unconventional
the solar-powered coffee roaster PuroSole. Their envi- One such example is the utilization of experimental approach has earned him numerous awards in recognition
ronmentally friendly approach, utilizing the Roman coffee processing techniques by Wilton Benitez, a coffee of the exceptional quality of his coffees.
sunshine to roast coffee beans, challenges the conven- producer in Colombia. Wilton is a highly specialized
tional reliance on electricity and gas, making a notable Colombian coffee producer with over 14 years of expe-
contribution to sustainability. We also delve into the rience cultivating some of the world’s rarest coffee va-
unique roasting techniques of Odelia Organic, a coffee rietals. He owns and operates three distinct coffee farms
farm in East Java, Indonesia, affiliated with Singapore’s in Piendamo – Cauca, Southwestern Colombia, situated
Compound Coffee Co., where transparency and sustain- at elevations ranging from 1800 to 2100 meters above
ability are at the forefront. Their commitment to ethical sea level. The farms include La Macarena, Las Brisas, and
practices extend beyond ownership, bridging the gap the smallest, Granja Paraiso 92.
between consumers and coffee farmers through Having grown up in a family deeply rooted in coffee Innovation can
agro-tourism and adoption programs. production, Wilton began his coffee journey on the fam-
Moving beyond cultivation and roasting, we explore ily farm. Here, he discovered the potential of coffee
coffee shops that break the mold of conventional café through fermentation technology. His curiosity led him
culture. Fenster Cafe in Vienna, with its innovative to-go to explore fermentation practices in other industries like
format and the success of the Fensterccino drink, exempli- wine, beer, and cheese, seeking to apply this knowledge

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