I loved coffee long before I truly understood it

Coffee had been part of my everyday life for many years. I loved its aroma, its energy, and the moments it created—and I believed I knew it well.

Then COVID slowed the world down.

In 2020, I officially opened iO Coffee and began studying specialty coffee seriously. Slowly, many things I thought I understood began to fall apart.

I discovered how little I knew about coffee cultivation, harvesting, processing, roasting, storage, water, grinding, and brewing. I had enjoyed coffee without truly seeing the people, science, craftsmanship, and supply chain behind every cup.

That realization was uncomfortable—but liberating.

Misunderstanding is not failure when we are willing to question what we believe and remain open to learning.

This is EP01 of “The More I Know”—my continuing journey through coffee.

How I thought I knew coffee

For years, coffee was simply a part of my routine. I loved waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. I enjoyed the boost it gave me during long workdays. I savored the quiet moments it created, whether alone or with friends.

I thought I understood coffee because I drank it every day. I knew the difference between a strong cup and a weak one. I could tell if it was bitter or smooth. I even had my favorite brands and blends.

But I never stopped to think about where the coffee came from or how it was made.

What COVID taught me about coffee

When the pandemic hit, life slowed down. I had more time to think and explore. I decided to open iO Coffee and dive deeper into specialty coffee.

That’s when I realized how much I didn’t know.

Coffee is not just a drink. It is a complex journey from seed to cup. Every step affects the final taste and quality.

I learned about:

• Cultivation: Coffee plants need specific climates and care. The soil, altitude, and weather all matter.

• Harvesting: Picking ripe coffee cherries by hand is hard work. Timing is crucial.

• Processing: How the cherries are processed changes the flavor. There are dry, wet, and honey methods.

• Roasting: Roasting transforms green beans into the coffee we know. Different roast levels bring out different flavors.

• Storage: Coffee must be stored properly to keep its freshness.

• Water: The quality of water used in brewing affects taste.

• Grinding: The grind size must match the brewing method.

• Brewing: Different methods bring out different qualities in coffee.

  
  

Each step involves skill, knowledge, and care.

Close-up view of freshly roasted coffee beans in a burlap sack

Freshly roasted coffee beans ready for grinding

Seeing the people behind the coffee

One of the biggest surprises was realizing how many people are involved in every cup of coffee.

Farmers work hard to grow and pick the best cherries. Processors carefully prepare the beans. Roasters craft the perfect roast. Baristas brew the coffee with skill and passion.

Each person adds value and deserves respect.

At iO Coffee, we focus on supporting coffee producers, especially in Vietnam. We want to help them get fair value for their work and bring high-quality, sustainable specialty coffee to the world.

How iO Coffee helps change the coffee industry

Our mission at iO Coffee Vietnam is to change the global coffee industry by helping producing countries, especially Vietnam, add more value to their coffee beans. We want to bring high-quality, sustainable Vietnamese specialty coffee to consumers worldwide.

One way we do this is by offering carefully selected coffee beans that reflect the unique flavors of Vietnam’s coffee regions.

We also provide education and training to farmers and producers to improve their skills and knowledge.

Tools that make a difference in coffee quality

Understanding coffee also means knowing the right tools to use.

For example, a good grinder is essential. It controls the grind size, which affects extraction and flavor.

At iO Coffee, we recommend the Baratza Encore Grinder. It is reliable, easy to use, and perfect for home brewing. You can find more details about it here.

Another important tool is the Hario V60 Dripper. It allows precise control over brewing time and water flow, bringing out the best in specialty coffee. Learn more about it here.

Using quality tools helps you enjoy coffee the way it was meant to be.

Eye-level view of a Hario V60 dripper brewing coffee over a glass carafe

Hario V60 dripper brewing fresh coffee

The science and craft behind every cup

Coffee is both science and art.

The chemistry of coffee extraction involves balancing water temperature, grind size, brew time, and coffee dose.

Roasting is a craft that requires experience and attention. Roasters watch the beans carefully to develop flavors without burning.

Brewing is an art that lets you highlight the coffee’s best qualities.

Learning these details changed how I drink coffee. I appreciate every cup more because I understand the work behind it.

What I want you to take away

If you love coffee, I encourage you to look deeper.

Try to learn about where your coffee comes from. Notice the flavors and aromas. Experiment with different brewing methods and tools.

Respect the bean. Respect the hands.

The more I know, the more I know I don’t know.

High angle view of a barista pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a glass dripper

Barista carefully pouring water over coffee grounds

Join me on this journey. Subscribe to Michael Barista and follow “The More I Know” series as I continue to explore coffee.

Every cup has a story. Let’s discover it together.

This post is part of iO Coffee Vietnam’s mission to bring sustainable, high-quality specialty coffee from Vietnam to the world.