NEW INNOVATIONS IN COFFEE BEAN PRESERVATION

The coffee bean preservation process significantly influences the quality and flavor of the final coffee cup. Being a sensitive fruit, how can suppliers protect the beans from mold and preserve their original flavor notes? This becomes particularly challenging when coffee batches undergo prolonged long-distance shipping, facing various environmental factors.

MSc. Pham Van Thao researched the application of low temperature and humidity drying technology and solutions to control humidity and temperature in warehouses to preserve coffee seeds for a long time

This complex issue has attracted numerous researchers seeking optimal solutions by applying advanced technologies and techniques.

The research project on coffee bean preservation, conducted by Master Pham Van Thao and colleagues at the Tay Nguyen Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, is titled "Application of temperature and humidity drying technology and controlled-atmosphere storage techniques for long-term coffee bean preservation."

This research is the outcome of an in-depth exploration of harvesting and coffee bean production technologies, offering solutions for each stage. This aids in expediting coffee bean production, reducing production costs, ensuring high-quality coffee beans, and achieving overall efficiency.

Advanced technology and innovative techniques have been applied in the recent invention of coffee bean preservation, aiming to enhance production quality.

Storage is an important step that needs attention to ensure the quality of coffee beans

The project has introduced a groundbreaking application of cold drying technology (heat pump drying) for drying coffee seeds. This novel and pioneering approach in coffee bean production ensures proactive bean production regardless of weather conditions. It reduces drying time, increases production efficiency, and ensures seed quality even in unfavorable conditions.

Applying cold drying technology (heat pump drying) to dry coffee seeds is a new and first application in coffee seed production, helping seed production to always be proactive

Additionally, the technique of preserving coffee beans in clean, dry, and finely processed sand is another result of pioneering research in coffee bean preservation. This method extends the bean preservation time from 1-1.5 months to 6-8 months while still maintaining a germination rate of over 70%. Storing coffee seeds for 6-8 months from the previous harvest season to produce and grafted seedlings early, independent of the seed harvesting season, is practical. This approach proves highly economically effective by timely supplying early-season seedlings to farmers when the rainy season begins.

Thanks to its novelty and economic effectiveness, the scientific project has been widely and practically applied in the production of coffee seeds in coffee bean production units in the Central Highlands region. These units can easily apply the techniques because the technology transfer is simple, understandable, suitable for production conditions, has high stability, and does not impose labor pressure during the pre-rainy season seedling production, as seen in current bean production facilities. The project has been applied to coffee nurseries and plantations producing seeds, and coffee seedlings in the provinces of Gia Lai and Dak Lak, contributing to the production and preservation of over 20 tons of seeds annually.

This invention was enthusiastically received by many manufacturing units

In addition to its application in production activities, this project has also been recognized scientifically and has achieved numerous commendable accomplishments:

- Third Prize in the Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Awards in 2021 organized by the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.

- First Prize in the 8th edition of the Technical Innovation Contest of Dak Lak Province in 2020-2021 organized by the People's Committee of Dak Lak Province.

- Honored in the list of scientific and technological projects and solutions in the Vietnam Golden Book of Creativity in 2023.

Scientific work has been widely and practically applied to coffee seed production at coffee seed production units

The new invention in coffee bean preservation has assisted producers and farmers in creating high-quality coffee batches, generating economic efficiency as a driving force for the development of the entire industry. Stay tuned to XLIII Coffee for more useful information!

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1. What is special about the new coffee seed preservation innovation by MSc. Pham Van Thao?

This innovation applies cold drying technology (heat pump drying) to quickly dry coffee seeds, even during prolonged rainy weather. Additionally, the technique of storing seeds in clean, dry, and fine sand extends the storage period from 6 to 8 months while maintaining a germination rate of over 70%.

2. What are the advantages of cold drying technology in coffee seed preservation?

Cold drying technology shortens the drying time, reduces dependence on weather conditions, improves production efficiency, and ensures that coffee seeds maintain high quality even under unfavorable conditions.

3. Where has this innovation been applied, and what are its benefits?

The innovation has been applied at coffee seed production centers and companies in Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces. Each year, it helps produce and preserve more than 20 tons of coffee seeds, improving seed quality and boosting farmers' economic productivity.

4. What scientific awards has this new innovation received?

The innovation has received the Third Prize at the Vietnam Science and Technology Innovation Awards 2021, First Prize at the Dak Lak Provincial Technical Innovation Contest 2020-2021, and was recognized in the Vietnam Creative Golden Book 2023.

5. Why is storing coffee seeds in sand important?

Storing coffee seeds in clean, dry, and fine sand helps extend the storage period from 1-1.5 months to 6-8 months, preventing mold growth while maintaining a high germination rate. This enables farmers to proactively produce seedlings without depending on the coffee harvest season.