Illy Ground Coffee Dark 250g

About Illy Coffee

There are two main types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. They differ, among other things, in cultivation requirements (Arabica is grown at higher altitudes) and especially in caffeine content—Arabica contains about one-third of the caffeine found in Robusta. Each type includes several varieties, usually named after their region of origin.

The key characteristic of a good espresso is its balanced flavor. The success of illy espresso lies in the harmony between acidity and bitterness. This balance cannot be achieved using a single type of coffee, which is why illy is a blend of nine high-quality Arabica varieties.

Harvesting – Coffee cherries on a single branch ripen at different times. Mechanical harvesting may mix unripe beans with ripe ones, affecting flavor. Therefore, illy prefers hand-picking and processes only fully ripe cherries.

Processing (Hulling) – This is the process of separating two coffee beans from each cherry:

• Dry method: cleaned cherries are spread in the sun until the husks crack, then removed mechanically.
• Wet method: a longer and more complex process where cherries are processed in machines that remove the pulp using rotating discs.

Selection – After processing, each bean is checked to ensure it meets quality standards. Beans are electronically sorted one by one.

Roasting – This crucial step gives coffee its unique aroma, taste, and color. It takes place in large drums, with temperatures not exceeding 230 °C.

Cooling – After roasting, beans must be cooled to prevent self-ignition. Two methods exist: water and air cooling. While water cooling is faster, coffee absorbs moisture. Illy uses air cooling to preserve weight and aroma.

Packaging – Packaging must protect coffee from oxygen and moisture, which can cause spoilage. Illy uses a method called “pressurization,” using sealed metal cans filled with inert gas. This preserves the coffee’s rich aroma and flavor for many months. Thanks to special cooling and packaging methods, illy coffee has a moisture content below 1% (about 5× less than other coffees).