The origin and origin of coffee beans: a journey to explore their mystery

The origin and origin of coffee beans: a journey to explore their mystery

Coffee, one of the most popular drinks in the world, has a mysterious and fascinating story behind it. From the origin of coffee beans to their growth and processing in different origins, every step is full of fantasy and adventure. This article will take you to explore the journey of coffee beans from birth to our cups.

1. Coffee beans originated in Africa

According to archaeological research, the earliest cultivation and use of coffee beans as a beverage can be traced back to around the 9th century BC. These discoveries indicate that Africa is the origin of the coffee tree (Coffea).

Ethiopia is considered the first country to grow and use coffee berries to make a beverage. According to legend, in the late 9th century AD, a shepherd noticed that his flock became unusually active after eating certain red berries. He then tried boiling these berries and made the first cup of coffee.

2. The spread and development of coffee beans

From Ethiopia, coffee beans gradually spread to other African countries. In the Yemen region on the Arabian Peninsula, people began to grow and use coffee trees. This period is considered the origin of coffee culture and is also the first place where coffee beans were commercially grown and traded.

Over time, European explorers brought coffee back to their homeland. In the late 17th century, European countries began to establish their own colonies and planted large quantities of coffee trees there. Brazil became one of the largest producers and remains the world's largest coffee exporter.

3. Quality and production area

Coffee beans produced in different producing areas have unique and diverse flavor characteristics. Factors such as climate, soil, and altitude will affect the final product.

For example, Ethiopian coffee beans often have distinct floral and fruity flavors, while Colombian coffee is known for its balance and mellow taste. Beans from Brazil often have nutty or chocolate-like flavors.

4. Coffee bean processing and roasting

Once harvested, coffee beans go through a series of processing steps before they become the coffee we know and love.

First, farmers pick the ripe berries, peel and pulp them, and then they dry the remaining parts in the sun or by mechanical methods.

Next is the most critical and complex step: roasting. Treating coffee beans at different degrees, times and temperatures will make them show different flavor characteristics. Light roasting usually retains the characteristics of the original origin, while deep roasting gives a strong bitter taste.

5. From origin to glass

After all the processing steps, the coffee beans are shipped to coffee roasting plants around the world, where they are further screened, roasted and packaged.

Ultimately, these carefully processed coffee beans will appear in our cups in different forms: rich and fragrant espresso, aromatic cappuccino or refreshing iced latte.

Conclusion

From Africa to all over the world, from planting to processing and tasting, coffee beans have a journey full of mystery and excitement. By understanding their origins and production areas, and appreciating the flavor characteristics brought by each producing area, we can better enjoy and understand the endless fun and stories behind this delicious drink.