Coffee beans: precious seeds of the plant world

Coffee beans: precious seeds of the plant world

Coffee beans are the valuable seeds from the coffee tree that are widely used to make coffee drinks. These tiny beans carry a rich aroma and unique flavor, making them one of the most popular beverages in the world. However, few people know that there are many interesting and important facts hidden behind these delicious delicacies.

Origin and History

According to archaeologists, the earliest record of coffee use dates back to the 15th century BC. According to legend, a shepherd found that they became excited after eating the fruit of a certain plant. After further exploration and experimentation, people began to roast these fruits and brew them into drinks.

Over time, coffee beans and their preparation methods were improved and spread widely in the Arab world. In the late 17th century, coffee trees were introduced and cultivated in Europe, and the first coffee houses dedicated to serving coffee were established. Since then, coffee has become an integral part of social, cultural and business activities.

Planting and harvesting

Coffee trees usually grow in tropical and subtropical regions and require suitable climate and soil conditions. These trees can grow to 10 to 15 feet tall and produce fruits. When ripe, the fruits have a red or purple appearance.

Harvesting coffee beans is a time-consuming and skillful process. Farmers carefully choose the right time to pick them and ensure that only the beans with optimal maturity are selected. They then dry the beans to remove the outer pulp and go through processing steps such as fermentation and washing.

Processing and sorting

Once harvested and cleaned, coffee beans need to be further processed and sorted to meet market standards. First, the beans are put into special equipment for peeling, shelling and other processing steps.

Next, the beans are sorted based on factors such as color, size, and shape. These classifications help determine the quality and purpose of the beans. The most common classification method is to divide coffee beans into two types: Arabica and Robusta.

Baking and grinding

Roasting is considered a crucial step in the coffee making process. By controlling the temperature and time, the flavor characteristics of the coffee beans can be changed. Different degrees of roasting will produce different tastes and aromas.

Once the ideal roast is achieved, the coffee beans can be ground into powder or granules to make brewing easier and release more flavor.

Drink and enjoy

Finally, after all the processing steps, we can finally taste the freshly brewed coffee! Whether it is the strong and bitter Italian espresso, the fragrant Indian Malbat, or the smooth and delicious latte, every cup brings us a wonderful taste experience.

In addition to being a beverage, coffee beans can also be used to make a variety of delicious foods such as chocolate, pastries and ice cream. Their versatility has made coffee beans an indispensable part of many people's daily lives.

Conclusion

By understanding the process of growing, harvesting, processing and using coffee beans, we can better appreciate the deliciousness and value of this tiny seed. Whether it is enjoying a cup of fragrant coffee when you wake up in the morning or enjoying a steaming cup of latte when you get together with friends, it is inseparable from these precious and magical plant treasures.

Let us treat each coffee bean with respect and feel the thousands of years of culture and historical heritage contained in it.