Coffee Journal

planting the future: the 11 million trees project

At Bell Lane, we know that coffee can be a force for good, especially for the communities and ecosystems that produce it. That’s why we're proud to back the 11 Million Trees Project in Timor-Leste, led by our long-standing sourcing partner, Raw Material. This project is a long-term investment in coffee, people, land, climate, and the ecosystems that support coffee production. coffee at the core This is, first and foremost, a coffee-led project. After gaining independence in 2002, Timor-Leste became the most reliant on oil of all nations in the world with 95% of its income tied to oil exports. That stream of income is now diminishing. The country's second largest industry is coffee, but the current coffee infrastructure presents some challenges: coffee trees are 40 years old on average productivity is low (about 20% of the global average) yearly harvests provide an unpredictable yield Coffee is grown by 37.5% of Timor-Leste households. However, most of these people live below the poverty line. This project aims to change this by: planting a test forest to determine which varietals perform best in Timor-Leste's evolving climate develop a large scale nursery to supply seedlings to 10,000 local families lift incomes immediately and in the long-term seedlings growing in a nursery in timor-leste raw material & phase one Our coffee sourcing partners, Raw Material, have spent eight years on the ground in Timor-Leste already, testing processing methods, improving quality, and getting to know the opportunities and limitations of power, transport, training, marketing, and agronomy. They've already looked at renewable energy, plastic repurposing, and bamboo infrastructure in partnership with Engineers Without Borders. Together, they aim to form a practical and regenerative system that will lift yields, stabilise quality, and double the value of coffee exports.Most importantly, their efforts and our collective support will reduce poverty for coffee-growing households. As we launch phase two, we’re inviting you to join us and become part of this change. matt and ameta from raw material more than trees While being a coffee led project that aims to double coffee production in the region, the 11 Million Trees project also aims to: halve poverty rates build climate resilience that lasts for generations To achieve this, Raw Material is planting disease-resistant, high-yield varietals in a soon to be developed testing forest. This will help identify which plants are best suited to Timor-Leste’s evolving climate. From there, a large-scale nursery will provide seedlings to 10,000 local households, boosting incomes in both the short and long-term. coffee being processed in timor-leste the ecosystem around coffee This is where things get really interesting. It’s not just about what grows, but about how it’s grown and how it can be sustained. The 11 Million Trees initiative will also see: unwanted solar panels from Australia being reused to power processing stations plastic waste being turned into components and tools locally sourced bamboo being used as a sustainable and local way to replace rust-prone steel  This all speaks to our B Corp values at Bell Lane where every decision we take is aimed at benefitting people and the planet. plastic upcycling in timor-leste why we’re getting involved We’ve worked with Raw Material for years, sourcing coffees from the producers they support and sharing their mission of value distribution. Backing this project is a natural continuation of that relationship and an exciting step for everyone at Bell Lane. This project also asks and answers the right type of questions: how do we protect coffee’s future in the face of climate change? how can we support farmers to earn more, not just survive? how do we rebuild systems that were never built with equity in mind? We’re proud to be part of the answer and you can can get involved too. a farmer fertilises a young coffee tree in timor-leste how you can get involved Bell Lane isn’t alone in this project. Other roasteries and coffee lovers around the world are getting behind this initiative because when we work together we can do so much more than anything we do alone. If you’d like to be part of this project, you can pledge your support, from planting a single tree, to a forest, or even joining the global tasting team. This is an opportunity to plant something that grows beyond us all, while leaving a lasting impression for the people of Timor-Leste for generations to come. the team on the ground in timor-leste

what’s so special about specialty coffee?

If you’ve heard the term specialty coffee before, but aren't exactly sure what it means, you’re in the right place. Here we'll take a look at specialty coffee's origins, what defines it, and what really makes it. the origin of specialty coffee The term specialty coffee was first coined by Erna Knutsen in 1974 during an interview with Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. A pioneer in the coffee industry, Erna was a champion of small roasters and high-quality coffee at a time when large corporations dominated the market. She faced significant challenges in a male-dominated industry yet laid the foundations for what we understand specialty coffee to be today, which is coffee that is produced with care and excellence from seed to cup. Her lifelong work and dedication to coffee earned Erna the unofficial title, 'the Godmother of Specialty Coffee'. erna knutsen, the 'godmother of specialty coffee' defining specialty coffee At its core, specialty coffee is coffee that is scored 80 points or higher out of 100 by certified coffee tasters (Q Graders). However, the definition from the Specialty Coffee Association provides a more holistic view. They define specialty coffee as, "a coffee or coffee experience that is recognised for its distinctive attributes, resulting in a higher value within the marketplace." This reflects Head Roaster Niko Sunko's belief that specialty coffee is about more than a score. It's about the people who grow it and the processes that make it. Unlike commodity coffee (grown and traded in bulk with a focus on yield), specialty coffee is grown with care, generally harvested by hand, and processed with precision using techniques sometimes passed down for generations. coffee growing at altitude in mexico's union san pedro 5 things that make it special 1. it starts on the farm Specialty coffee begins with high-quality Arabica beans, grown at higher altitudes in ideal climates. Farmers focus on sustainable practices, soil health, and selective picking, choosing only the ripest cherries. 2. it’s processed with precision Once picked, the beans are carefully processed (washed, natural, or honey process) to bring out their natural sweetness and complexity. This step affects the final flavour just as much as the roast. 3. it’s traceable Most specialty coffee can tell you where it came from. Not just the country, but the region, the farm, even the lot. This transparency supports ethical sourcing and better relationships between roasters and producers. 4. it’s roasted for flavour Specialty coffee is lightly roasted in small batches to let the origin's characteristics shine through. This differs from a dark roast which can be used to mask flavours. 5. it’s brewed with care Whether you’re using a French press or a pour-over, brewing specialty coffee is about paying attention to variables. Your grind size, water temperature, and brewing time unlock the full flavour. coffee cherries drying on beds at enrique lopez's farm in mexico what does specialty coffee taste like? It depends. An Ethiopian coffee might taste like blueberries and tropical fruits. A Colombian might taste like peach and plum. Specialty coffee varies wildly. Part of the fun is discovering flavours you didn’t even know coffee could have. And even ordering from the same producer year after year and noticing the nuances between each harvest, similar to wine tasting . where do I start? You're in the right place. Bell Lane Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and you can use our intuitive label design to find a coffee that's right for you at a glance. Whether it's espresso, filter, or coffee subscriptions, we've got you covered for specialty coffee. coffee cherries being "washed" at origin

how to brew a great V60 at home (no experience needed)

So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of filter coffee. Great choice. Previously, we've looked at the differences between filter and espresso. In this post, we’re getting hands-on with one of the most popular and approachable filter methods out there. Although the V60 can look intimidating at first, with a little guidance anyone can brew a bright, clean, and delicious cup at home. No barista training needed. the iconic cone shape of a V60 what is a V60? The V60 is a cone-shaped dripper made by Hario, designed to sit on top of your cup or a server. You pop in a paper filter, add coffee grounds, and pour hot water over it in stages. Gravity does the rest. The result? A light, nuanced cup that highlights the character of the coffee. If you enjoy exploring flavour notes and prefer a smoother brew, this is for you. what you’ll need Before you get started, gather your equipment: V60 cone dripper matching filters freshly ground filter coffee grinder (burr grinder recommended) kettle, ideally gooseneck for better control (but a standard kettle is fine to start) scales (optional, but helps with consistency) timer or phone stopwatch your favourite mug or server scales give you precision with every brew grind size Grind size is very important for making a good V60 and your grinder will have a range of settings for V60 specifically.  For example, the recommended V60 setting on a traditional Comandante grinder is 20-30 clicks. For this Timemore grinder, it's 10-13 clicks. At Bell Lane, we try to grind as fine as we possibly can. Once our brew becomes astringent or too dry, we know we've pushed it too far. From there, we usually bring it back a click or two. Check the recommended settings for your grinder and play with each point in the range (and beyond) to see which setting works best for you. coffee dose It's also important to think about both water volume and coffee dose. A good starting ratio is 16:1. That means for every 1g of coffee, use 16g (or 16ml) of water. So, for a 20g coffee, use 320ml of water. From there, you have a good base to experiment with the weight of coffee grounds and the volume of water. Adjust up or down depending on your preferences. water matters Use fresh water, ideally soft water, to avoid flavour loss. Although you'll see many recommendations for your water temperature to be around 92–96°C, at Bell Lane we brew just off the boil at 100°C. This is because our lighter roast profile for filter coffees allows for a boiling hot brew. variables, like water, influence your final cup step-by-step guide 1. rinse & preheat Place the filter paper into your V60 and rinse it with hot water. This removes any papery taste and preheats your dripper and mug or server. Discard the rinsed water. 2. add coffee grounds Place your V60 on the mug or server, add your coffee grounds, and gently shake to level the bed. 3. pour 1: the bloom Start your timer and pour just enough water to saturate all the grounds. About 30–50g. This allows the coffee to “bloom” as carbon dioxide is released, leading to better extraction. Wait for about 30–45 seconds. 3. pour 2: main pour(s) Continue pouring in a slow, circular, or spiral motion. Start from the centre, work your way out and back in. Always aim for the coffee grounds and avoid pouring directly onto the filter. You can do this in one or two pours until you reach your total water weight (250g). Aim to finish pouring by around 1:30–2:00 minutes. 4. let it drip Allow the water to drain completely. Your total brew time should be around 2:30–3:00 minutes. If it’s running too fast, your grind may be too coarse. If it goes too slow, your grind is probably too fine. 5. the stir Once your coffee is brewed, give it a quick swirl or a stir with a spoon. Why? When coffee is filter brewed, the heavier compounds and flavours sink to the bottom while the lighter aromas and flavours rise to the top. A quick swirl or stir will bring them all together for a more balanced cup.  Then? Sit back, relax, and enjoy. swirl your fresh brew to integrate all the flavours pro tips for better V60 brews Don’t stress about perfection. Even small improvements (like a consistent grind) make a big difference. Taste and adjust. Each coffee is different. Experiment with the variables like grinder, grind size, water temperature, and water volume to fit the settings that you enjoy most. filter coffee Try different coffees to see what you like (and don't like). Our filter collection is a great place to start and if you'd like a new coffee delivered to your door every month, explore our filter subscriptions. Each one is carefully selected and freshly roasted by our Head Roaster, Niko Sunko.

why giving a voice to coffee farmers matters

Coffee has always been about people, whether meeting for coffee or chatting over coffee. But for this special collaboration, we’re shining a light on the people behind coffee—the producers, farmers, and workers who make it all possible. voices that matter Farmers' Voice Radio exists to give a voice to these all-important people. An initiative of international non-profit the Lorna Young Foundation, Farmers' Voice Radio amplifies farmers' voices through locally-led radio programming—a widely accessible, low-cost medium that even farmers in the most remote locations can tune into. This work helps farming communities share knowledge, improve yields, adapt to climate change, and strengthen local networks—all vital to keep farmers and producers at the forefront of sustainable farming.  This benefits farmers, roasters, and ultimately everyone who enjoys their cup of coffee. coffee seedlings being unpacked in peru (photo credit: Inchahuasi Valley Cooperative, Cusco, Peru) the benefits The large-scale impact of Farmers' Voice Radio is clear to the coffee industry when you pick through their incredible work to date, both through radio programmes reaching thousands of farmers delivered in partnership with local organisations, and through training agricultural officers on the Farmers' Voice Radio approach in their online Academy. 70,000 disease-resistant coffee seedlings planted by smallholder coffee farmers in Nyeri, Kenya Widespread adoption of stumping practices to rejuvenate older, low-yielding coffee trees by farmers on Mount Elgon, Uganda. You can hear directly from coffee farmers Esther and Agnes about this experience here.  50 individuals representing 24 coffee cooperatives from Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Honduras and Nicaragua with the skills and tools to deliver Farmers' Voice Radio programmes to their total membership of over 20,000 farmers Brighton Coffee Festival presents a unique opportunity to benefit this collective with a special collaborative coffee.  the right coffee With such a worthy cause, Bell Lane Coffee is proud to support Farmers' Voice Radio with a special collaboration coffee for Brighton Coffee Festival. We’ve chosen a coffee from La Morena, an all-female coffee collective based in Guatemala. Led by Maria Renee Morales, La Morena is a shining example of female coffee producers working together while sharing knowledge and resources to build a stronger, more resilient community. At Brighton Coffee Festival, this coffee provides an opportunity to directly support farming communities. 25% of every sale will go directly to Farmers' Voice Radio, helping them continue their vital work across the globe. gail henshall of bell lane coffee at dublin coffee festival shared values Bell Lane Coffee and Farmers' Voice Radio first connected at Dublin Coffee Festival. There, Hannah Davis of Farmers' Voice Radio met Bell Lane’s Head of Sales, Gail Henshall, where the idea for this collaboration was born. "This is a natural fit for Bell Lane. It ties in with our B Corp values to benefit people and the planet, but more than that it's a chance to shine a light on, and raise funds for, some truly impactful work being done at origin," says Gail. "Coffee connects people everywhere," says Hannah. "This partnership with Bell Lane is a brilliant way to show how these connections extend from the coffee you drink all the way back to the producer who grows and cares for it." further support To learn more about Farmers' Voice Radio’s mission, and to support this amazing organisation directly, please visit them here. You can learn more on their latest projects and how their work directly benefits farmers on the ground. saudatu, farmers' voice radio listener and shea nut collector from ghana (photo credit: lorna young foundation)

understanding washed coffees (and why we love them)

When it comes to discovering new coffees, processing method is one of the most powerful (and underrated) keys to flavour.  Among all the options, we keep coming back to washed coffees for their clarity, precision, and transparent expression of origin. what is a washed coffee? Washed coffee, sometimes referred to as wet processed, refers to a post-harvest method where the coffee cherry’s pulp and mucilage are removed before the beans are dried. After picking, the cherries are pulped mechanically, and the sticky mucilage layer is broken down through fermentation in water tanks. Finally, the clean beans are washed again before drying. This process is designed to highlight the coffee's inherent qualities, bringing out the best from the varietal, the terroir, and the work of the farmer (as opposed to the influence of the coffee fruit’s sugars). a pulping machine at the izuba washing station, burundi how you know a washed bean If you've ever looked closely at a raw (green) washed coffee bean, you might notice a small white line (often called the "silver skin" or "parchment scar") running down the centre cut. While all beans technically have this, it tends to appear cleaner and more pronounced in washed coffees because of the thorough removal of fruit residues. After roasting, washed beans also tend to look slightly lighter and more uniform than naturally processed beans (which can appear patchier or more uneven due to the fruit sugars caramelising differently). washed coffee beans being dried in the sun on raised beds why do we love washed coffee? At Bell Lane, our Head Roaster Niko is drawn to washed coffees for their clarity and honest expression of origin. A well-executed washed coffee allows us to showcase the true character of a farm or micro-lot without distraction. We often describe these coffees as "clean," "bright," and "structured." Think well-defined acidity, layered florals, and transparent sweetness—qualities prized by both roasters and filter-focused coffee drinkers. In sourcing, we look for washed lots that really show off their origin. A washed Ethiopian might deliver jasmine and stone fruit notes with tea-like delicacy. A washed Kenyan might burst with blackcurrant and juicy citrus. By celebrating these profiles, we can support producers who are meticulous about picking and processing, rewarding quality at every step of production. explore our washed coffees If you're curious to dive deeper into the purest expressions of terroir and varietal, our washed coffee selection is a great place to start (or revisit). washed coffee beans with distinctive parchment scar at the centre of the bean Stay up to date on all things coffee by signing up to our newsletter.

espresso vs. filter: what’s the difference and why does it matter?

If you’re just getting into coffee, you’ve probably heard people talk about filter and espresso. But what exactly sets them apart? And more importantly, which one is right for you? what is espresso? Espresso is coffee that is brewed under high pressure. In fact, the word espresso comes from the Italian esprimere, which means “to press out”. And that’s exactly what’s happening. Hot water is being pressed out, or forced through, very finely ground coffee at around 9 bars of pressure. This results in a small, concentrated shot of coffee usually delivered in around 25–30 seconds. Espresso itself can be brewed on a variety of different machines. It's the one you'll see in your local coffee shop, but there are also a variety of espresso machines which are made for home use. Espresso is intense, rich, and forms the base for drinks like flat whites, cappuccinos, and Americanos. ideal for: quick, concentrated coffee and milk based drinks one of the many types of home espresso machine what is filter coffee? Filter, also known as pour-over, gets its name from the filter that the coffee passes through. While espresso uses pressure, filter methods usually involve gravity doing the work. Water slowly filters through medium-ground coffee and a paper or metal filter. Brewing takes longer than espresso (typically 2–4 minutes), but the result is a cleaner, more nuanced, and often more aromatic cup. Think V60, Chemex, or AeroPress. These all fall under the filter umbrella. ideal for: considered, meditative coffee prep an example home filter setup what about moka? Moka pots fall somewhere in between. Sometimes referred to as stovetop espresso makers, Moka pots brew coffee by forcing steam-pressured water up through coffee grounds. However, because the pressure is lower than espresso, the resulting coffee is not as strong or concentrated as a true espresso. That said, it is stronger and more concentrated than filter. Moka is a great in-between option. Perfect if you want something bold with minimal set up. ideal for: espresso-like coffee with minimal equipment coffee pressing up and out through a moka pot what about aeropress? The AeroPress is a portable brewer that uses gentle pressure to create a cup that also sits somewhere between filter and espresso. While it uses a filter (paper or metal), it can make espresso-style coffee. It's smooth, versatile, and travel-friendly. One great advantage of an AeroPress is that can be used to brew coffee that has been roasted for espresso or filter. ideal for: versatile, on-the-go brewing aeropress why does all of this matter? Knowing the difference between coffee types helps you choose the right coffee and equipment for your preferred taste, timing, and lifestyle. If you want a quick, intense cup with crema and punch, then espresso is for you. If you prefer a cleaner coffee and you have the time to make it, make filter your go-to. If you fall somewhere in between, it's worth exploring both moka pot and Aeropress. summary Choosing the right method for you isn’t just about taste, it’s also about the kind of ritual or routine you want to create for yourself. Over time, you might even find that you need a mix of both—espresso during the week and more meditative filter at the weekend. If and when you perfect your routine, you can always save with a subscription at Bell Lane. We offer subscriptions for both espresso and filter drinkers, delivered to your door every month. Stay up to date on all things coffee by signing up to our newsletter.