Huong Hoa and Stories of Coffee Workers
Coffee is not just a familiar beverage, but also an important part of the culture and economy in many regions across the country. The story of coffee workers is a colorful masterpiece, intertwining diligence, passion, and challenges. Let’s explore this emotional story through one of the famous coffee-growing and processing regions of Vietnam - Huong Hoa, Quang Tri.
Huong Hoa, a mountainous district in Quang Tri province, is blessed by nature with a climate and soil suitable for growing coffee. Here, coffee trees have been intertwined with the lives of people for decades, creating a community of resilient farmers passionate about their product.
Coffee Farmers in Huong Hoa
The Process of Coffee Care by Farmers
Taking care of coffee is a long-term process that requires patience. Farmers must:
- Prepare the planting soil and sow seeds.
- Take care of young trees in nurseries.
- Plant seedlings and take care of them in the early years.
- Fertilize and irrigate properly.
- Check and prevent pests and diseases.
- Harvest ripe fruits and preserve them.
Each stage requires meticulousness and experience to ensure that coffee trees grow well and yield high productivity.
Challenges in Coffee Cultivation
However, farmers also face many challenges in coffee cultivation:
- Climate change affects coffee yield and quality.
- Diseases and pests cause damage to crops.
- High investment costs and fluctuating market prices.
- Lack of labor and modern agricultural techniques.
They must continuously learn and adapt to overcome these difficulties.
Coffee Processing Process in Huong Hoa
Coffee Bean Transformation Process
After harvesting, coffee beans are transported to processing plants in Huong Hoa. Here, they undergo a strict process to ensure quality and excellent flavor.
According to Mr. Quy, the owner of the EWEC - Q.Coffee brand in Huong Hoa:
“We focus on strict quality control of coffee in each stage, from cleaning, hulling, fermentation, washing, drying to roasting. This ensures that the final product meets high standards of flavor and quality.”
Coffee Processing Process
The coffee processing process at the factory includes the following main steps:
- Cleaning and grading: Coffee beans are cleaned of impurities, washed, and graded by size and quality.
- Hulling: Coffee beans are fed into a hulling machine to remove the outer husk.
- Fermentation: Coffee beans are soaked in water and fermented for a certain period to remove the thin inner husk.
- Washing and drying: Coffee beans are washed and then placed in a dryer to remove all remaining moisture.
- Roasting: Coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures and ground into fine powder.
The entire process is closely monitored and ensures strict hygiene standards.
Ensuring Quality and Flavor
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Depending on the type of coffee grown in suitable climate and soil conditions. The majority here is Arabica coffee (over 90%). |
| Care Process | The weather here is suitable for most Arabica varieties, so most farmers rely on the “harmonious rain and wind” along with careful care to produce the most natural-flavored coffee beans. |
| Coffee Bean Quality | Coffee beans are carefully selected and only the highest quality beans are used. |
| Processing Process | The processing process is carried out according to strict standards to ensure the characteristic flavor of coffee. |
Ensuring quality and flavor is an important factor in making Huong Hoa coffee famous and popular in the market.
People Working in the Coffee Industry in Huong Hoa
Coffee Processors
Mr. Quy, as both an owner and a key participant in the coffee processing stages, takes high responsibility and enthusiasm.
He shares:
“We work from early morning until late at night to ensure the processing process runs smoothly. Each coffee bean is handled with the dedicated hands of ours.”
Moisture Content Standards of Coffee
In addition, agricultural technicians also play an important role in guiding farmers on modern farming techniques and protecting crops from pests and diseases.
Mr. Quy shares:
“The standard moisture content for raw coffee is 12.5%, but there will be differences due to external factors such as climate, humidity, etc. Coffee production facilities and coffee business owners need to pay attention to this moisture content. Because if the moisture exceeds the standard for a long time, the coffee will not be sold due to spoilage or reduced quality.”
This is to ensure the quality of coffee. If coffee is moist, it creates conditions for mold growth. In the absence of mold, coffee also loses quality. Therefore, people often have to measure coffee moisture frequently to take timely measures. Ground coffee also requires careful moisture measurement before packaging.
Passionate People
Ms. Huong, an angel investor of the EWEC - Q.Coffee brand, shares:
“I am very proud to work with quality coffee products in Huong Hoa. Introducing and bringing Huong Hoa coffee, Quang Tri to the world is always my wish. Here we have diligent, honest, talented people, and coffee beans are also drops of sweat, efforts of the people here, so their flavor is always very special. I really want to bring this character and flavor to everywhere in the world.”
Stories and Challenges of Coffee Workers in Huong Hoa
Diligence and Perseverance
Coffee workers in Huong Hoa must face daily difficulties and challenges. However, they always know how to overcome them with diligence and perseverance.
Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, a coffee farmer, shares:
“Life in the mountainous region is never easy, but I believe my efforts will be rewarded. Perseverance and never giving up are my life motto.”
Challenges of Weather, Geographic Location, and Market
Unstable weather and climate change are among the major issues that coffee workers in Huong Hoa must face. High transportation costs due to rugged terrain and sometimes needing to travel through difficult roads. In addition, market price fluctuations also affect their income.
To overcome these challenges, they must be flexible in production plans and find effective market access.
Unity and Community Support
Despite the difficulties, coffee workers in Huong Hoa always show unity and mutual support. They often establish farmer associations, share experiences, and support each other in farming techniques.
Through unity and community support, they have overcome many challenges and developed the coffee industry sustainably in Huong Hoa.
Passion and Pride of Coffee Workers in Huong Hoa
Passion for Coffee Cultivation
”Every morning when I wake up, I always eagerly go to my coffee garden. It is my passion and a great source of inspiration for me.” Coffee workers in Huong Hoa not only see coffee cultivation as a job but also as a passion. They love coffee trees, love their homeland, and want to bring their products to everyone.
Pride in Products
Coffee products from Huong Hoa are not just ordinary products but also the pride of coffee workers. They are confident in the quality and unique flavor they have created.
Ms. Huong, an angel investor of the EWEC - Q.Coffee brand, shares:
“When I see the label ‘Huong Hoa’ on a coffee package, I am proud to have contributed my effort to this product. It is indeed a great pride.”
Commitment to Quality
Coffee workers in Huong Hoa are committed to bringing the best quality products to customers. They continuously improve their skills and apply new technologies to improve their products.
For them, quality is not just a slogan but also a responsibility and pride in their work.
Development and Potential of the Coffee Industry in Huong Hoa
The coffee industry in Huong Hoa is growing strongly and has great potential in the future. With abundant raw materials, a positive working environment, and gradually investing in quality, Huong Hoa coffee is gaining the trust of consumers.
Local coffee businesses are also expanding their markets and seeking opportunities to export to international markets. This not only helps increase brand value but also creates opportunities for economic and social development in the locality.
Conclusion
In the context of the coffee industry’s strong development, the stories of coffee workers in Huong Hoa are clear evidence of their diligence, passion, and pride. Despite facing many difficulties, they continue to strive and hope for a bright future for the Vietnamese coffee industry.
Maintaining and developing the coffee industry not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to the sustainable development of the locality. Hopefully, their efforts and successes will spread, creating a broader presence for Huong Hoa coffee in the future.
