The legendary history of coffee beans and their global spread

The history of coffee beans can be traced back to Ethiopia in the 9th century. It is said that a shepherd named Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually excited after eating a certain red berry. This berry was later confirmed to be the predecessor of coffee beans. Although this story may be mythical, it reveals the background of the earliest discovery of coffee beans.

The spread of coffee began in Ethiopia and spread rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula. In 15th century Yemen, coffee began to be made into a beverage and widely consumed in Muslim communities for its refreshing effect. The rise of coffee houses (qahveh khaneh) in the Islamic world as centers of social and cultural exchange marked the transformation of coffee from a beverage into a cultural phenomenon.

Coffee was introduced to Europe in the late 16th century and quickly became popular in the early 17th century. Although initially controversial in Europe, coffee was quickly accepted and became an important part of social and business activities. Coffee houses flourished in cities such as London, Paris and Vienna, promoting intellectual exchanges and business prosperity.

With the expansion of colonialism,

Ideal environmental conditions for growing coffee beans

The growth of coffee beans depends on specific natural environmental conditions, among which climate is the most critical factor. Coffee plants prefer a warm and stable climate, and the optimal growth temperature is usually between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius. Extreme temperature changes or frost can cause damage to coffee trees, affecting the quality and yield of beans.

Soil conditions are also an important factor affecting the quality of coffee beans. Coffee trees usually grow best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Acidic soil, with a pH between 6 and 6.5, can provide the nutrients that coffee trees need and promote their healthy growth. The air permeability and water retention capacity of the soil also affect the flavor and taste of coffee beans.

Altitude has a significant impact on the flavor of coffee beans. Generally speaking, high altitude areas (such as 1000 to 2000 meters)

Major coffee producing countries and their environmental impact

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, and its geographical and climatic conditions are very suitable for coffee cultivation. Brazil's warm and stable climate, abundant rainfall, especially in the highlands of Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo, provide an ideal growing environment for coffee trees. Brazilian coffee beans are famous for their rich flavor and low acidity.

Colombia is also a famous coffee producer, known for its high-quality Arabica coffee beans. Colombia's coffee-producing region is located in the Andes Mountains, with undulating terrain and moderate altitude, allowing coffee beans to grow under suitable temperature and humidity conditions. Colombian coffee beans often have bright acidity and complex flavors.

Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of coffee. Its geographical environment and climatic conditions give coffee beans a unique flavor. Ethiopian coffee grows at high altitudes, with mineral-rich soil and a mild and humid climate. These conditions give Ethiopian coffee beans a rich fruity aroma and complex flavor.

In addition, Vietnam is the world's second largest coffee producer, mainly producing Robusta coffee beans. Vietnam's tropical climate and abundant rainfall are suitable for the growth of Robusta coffee, which has a strong bitter taste and high caffeine content and is widely used in instant coffee and mixed coffee beans.

The delicate process from coffee bean planting to picking

The coffee bean planting process begins with selecting the right seeds and planting site. Coffee trees need to be planted in fertile and well-drained soil. When planting, farmers plant coffee trees at appropriate spacing to ensure that each tree has enough space to get sunlight and nutrients. Good planting management includes regular fertilization and weeding to promote the healthy growth of coffee trees.

Regular pest and disease management is essential during the growth of coffee beans. Using organic or integrated pest management methods can reduce negative impacts on the environment and maintain the quality of coffee beans. Farmers also need to monitor climate conditions to ensure that coffee trees grow in optimal temperature and humidity.

Coffee beans are usually picked when they are ripe. Ripe coffee cherries are red and the beans inside have reached the ideal flavor and aroma. When picking, ripe cherries are usually picked by hand to avoid mixing in unripe or overripe beans. Although this process is labor-intensive, it is very effective in ensuring the quality of the coffee beans.

Coffee bean processing and its impact on flavor

After picking, coffee beans need to go through a series of processing steps to ensure their quality and flavor. The first is the dehulling process, which removes the outer shell from the coffee fruit, usually using wet or dry processing. Wet processing removes the pulp through fermentation and washing, which can bring a cleaner flavor, while dry processing allows the coffee beans to dry on the pulp, usually with more fruity aroma and sweetness.

After shelling, the coffee beans enter the roasting stage, which is a key step in determining the final flavor of the coffee. During the roasting process, the coffee beans undergo different degrees of roasting from light to deep. Light roasting retains more of the original flavor and acidity, while deep roasting enhances the bitterness and richness of the coffee beans. The control of roasting temperature and time has a direct impact on the flavor of the coffee beans.

After roasting, the coffee beans need to be cooled and shelled to remove the shells and oils produced during the roasting process. Proper cooling can keep the flavor of the coffee beans stable and prevent excessive oxidation. The processing method at this stage also affects the taste and aroma of the coffee beans.

Finally, the coffee beans need to be ground to suit different brewing methods. The coarseness of the grind affects the extraction effect of the coffee, which affects the flavor and strength of the coffee. Fine grind is suitable for espresso, while coarse grind is suitable for brewing methods such as French press. Each step of the processing lays the foundation for the final taste of the coffee.

The role of coffee beans in the global economy and the benefits of the industrial chain

Coffee beans are one of the most important commodities in global trade. As the second most traded commodity after oil, coffee occupies an important position in the international market. Every year, about 2 billion bags of coffee beans are circulated in the market, involving 30 countries and 100 countries.