Where does coffee come from: Coffee is a beverage that has become an integral part of our lives. For many of us, it’s the first thing we reach for in the morning, and we can’t imagine getting through the day without it. But have you ever wondered where those magical little beans that make our coffee come from?
In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of coffee and explore the journey of those tiny yet mighty coffee beans. We’ll uncover their history, learn about the different varieties, and discover how they’re grown and processed.
Get ready to take a sip of knowledge as we embark on an exciting adventure into the world of beans!
History and Origin:
Coffee’s history goes back to ancient times, with the first recorded use as a beverage traced back to Ethiopia in the 15th century.
Legend has it that a shepherd named Kaldi observed his goats becoming energetic after eating certain plant berries. He tried the berries himself and found that they gave him a boost of energy as well.
From there, coffee spread throughout the Middle East and eventually made its way to Europe in the 17th century.
Nowadays, coffee is cultivates and savores in various parts of the world.
Types of Coffee Beans
There are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica farmers grow beans at high altitudes, and they are renowned for their delicate flavor and aroma. In contrast, Robusta farmers grow beans at lower altitudes, and they are famous for their bold, strong flavor.
Generally, coffee enthusiasts consider Arabica beans of superior quality and they fetch a higher price than Robusta beans.
They make up about 60% of the world’s coffee production, while Robusta beans make up the remaining 40%.
Coffea Arabica: The Most Widely Grown Coffee Plant Species
The most commonly cultivated type of coffee plant is Coffea arabica, which is highly valued for its premium quality beans. While it has the potential to grow up to 5 meters tall, commercial growers typically prune it to a more manageable height of around 2 meters.
This species of coffee is native to Ethiopia and considers as the first type of coffee plant cultivated for human consumption.
Coffea Robusta: A Hardier and More Disease-Resistant Species
Coffea canephora, also known as Robusta, is a hardier and more disease-resistant species of coffee plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It is primarily grown in West and Central Africa and Southeast Asia.
Robusta beans have a stronger and more bitter taste compared to arabica beans. These are often used in instant coffee and espresso blends.
Other Coffee Plant Species Used for Coffee Production
Several other species of Coffea also produce coffee in addition to Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta.
These species are less commonly grown and generally produce lower quality beans. Examples include Coffea liberica and Coffea excelsa.
Growing Conditions:
Coffee plants thrive in warm, humid environments and typically grows in tropical regions. They require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, but also benefit from some shade during the hottest parts of the day. Coffee plants grown on hillsides to take advantage of natural drainage and to provide better exposure to sunlight.
Coffee Plant Maturity and Berry Harvesting
Once plants reach maturity, they produce small white flowers that give way to green berries.
The coffee berries gradually ripen and turn red, which indicates that they are ready to be harvested.
Inside the berries, there are two coffee beans that extracts and processes to create the beloved beverage that we all know.
Growth and Processing of Coffee Beans
Countries all over the world grow coffee-beans, with Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam among the largest producers.
Coffee-plants thrive in warm and humid climates, and growers usually harvest the beans once a year. The process of harvesting and processing coffee beans varies depending on the region and farm. Typically, workers hand-pick the beans and remove the outer layers of the fruit using either the wet or dry method.
In the wet method of processing, coffee beans undergo washing and fermentation to remove the fruit. Conversely, in the dry method, the beans are sun dried before removing the fruit. After processing, the beans are roasts to enhance their unique flavor and aroma.
The roasting process can vary depending on the type of bean and the desired flavor profile.
How long will it take to grow ?
The time it takes for a coffee plant to grow and produce berries varies depending on the species of the plant, the growing conditions, and the cultivation practices.
A coffee plant usually takes around 3-4 years to mature and start producing berries. The peak production of coffee berries typically happens when the plant is around 5-7 years old.
Read More: Espresso Served With Water
FAQs:
Where does coffee come from originally?
Where is coffee naturally found?
What is coffee made from?
The beans you brew are actually the processed and roasted seeds from a fruit, which is called a coffee cherry. The coffee cherry's outer skin is called the exocarp. Beneath it is the mesocarp, a thin layer of pulp, followed by a slimy layer called the parenchyma.
Which plant does coffee come from?
A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pip inside the red or purple fruit. This fruit is often referred to as a coffee cherry. The coffee fruit is a type of stone fruit, just like ordinary cherries.
Conclusion:
From its origins on the Arabian Peninsula to the global “Bean Belt” today, coffee has become an essential part of many people’s daily routines.
Coffee beans produced by the Coffea plant. From its humble beginnings in Ethiopia, coffee has become a beloved worldwide beverage. Coffee is a fascinating and delicious beverage that has been a part of our lives for a long time.
