The History and Dissemination of Coffee Beans

The history of coffee beans can be traced back to Ethiopia in the 9th century AD, where shepherds found that their sheep became unusually excited after eating certain red berries. This phenomenon attracted the interest of local monks, who began to brew these berries into drinks and found that they had a refreshing effect. This drink gradually became popular in Ethiopia and became a must-have drink for monks during long prayers.

The spread of coffee has gone through a long process. In the early 16th century, coffee was introduced to the Arab world, especially to the port of Mocha in Yemen, which became an important exporter of coffee. Coffee houses quickly emerged in the cities of the Ottoman Empire and became the center of social and cultural activities. The spread of coffee then expanded to Europe. In the 17th century, coffee houses began to be established in cities such as London, Paris and Vienna, and gradually became gathering places for intellectuals and businessmen.

Over time, coffee has become a popular drink around the world. At the end of the 18th century, coffee plants were introduced to tropical regions of the Americas, such as Brazil and Colombia, which quickly became the world's major coffee producers. Today, coffee is not just a drink, but a global cultural phenomenon that is deeply integrated into the daily lives of countries around the world.

Botanical characteristics and classification of coffee beans

Coffee beans come from the genus Coffea, which belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This genus includes several species, the two most important of which are Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora). Coffee plants are usually evergreen shrubs or small trees that can grow up to 10 meters in height, but in commercial cultivation they are usually pruned to 1.5 to 2.5 meters for easier picking.

Coffee trees have high requirements for their growing environment. They prefer warm climates, with optimal growth temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius, and require stable rainfall. Coffee trees generally grow in tropical mountainous areas, such as Central America, South America and the African plateau. The soil in these areas is usually rich in organic matter and well-drained, which is conducive to the healthy growth of coffee trees.

The leaves of the coffee tree are dark green, oval, and have fine serrations on the edges. The coffee flowers are small, white, and have a strong aroma. After the flowers bloom, they produce fruits, namely coffee cherries, each of which contains two coffee beans. Arabica and Robusta differ in leaf shape, fruit size, and the plant's ability to tolerate pests and diseases, characteristics that can help growers and tasters identify the variety of coffee beans.

In addition, the appearance of coffee beans can also be used as a basis for differentiation. Arabica beans are usually flat, smooth, and have curved cracks, while Robusta beans are round, rough, and have straight cracks. These botanical characteristics not only affect the flavor of coffee beans, but also determine their market value.

Coffee bean processing steps and quality control

The flavor characteristics and influence of coffee bean varieties

There are many varieties of coffee beans, and different varieties of beans have unique flavor characteristics. The main coffee bean varieties include Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans account for about 70% of global coffee production and are characterized by long beans and smooth surfaces. Arabica coffee generally has high acidity and rich flavor layers, often with fruity, floral or nutty flavors. These characteristics make it the main choice for high-end coffee.

Compared to Arabica, Robusta beans contain more caffeine, are rounder and have a rougher surface. Robusta coffee is usually stronger in flavor, with a noticeable bitterness and woody or earthy notes. Due to its higher caffeine content and resistance to pests and diseases, Robusta is often used in instant coffee and blended coffee to enhance the body and persistence of the coffee.

In addition to Arabica and Robusta, there are other coffee varieties on the market, such as Liberica and Excelsa. Liberica beans are larger and have a complex flavor, often with a unique fruity and smoky flavor, while Excelsa beans are known for their floral and fruity flavors. The rarity and unique flavors of these varieties make them highly sought after among coffee lovers.

The flavor profile of each coffee bean is influenced by a variety of factors, including the growing environment, processing methods, and roasting techniques. Understanding these varieties and their flavor profiles can help consumers choose the most suitable coffee beans according to their personal tastes and enjoy a richer coffee experience.

Global supply chain and market impact of coffee beans

The global supply chain of coffee beans involves a complex flow from major producing countries to consumer markets. Major coffee producing countries include Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam and Ethiopia, which provide most of the world's coffee beans. Coffee beans are transported from the production area to the exporting country, loaded at the port, and then shipped to the importing country. In the importing country, the coffee beans are processed and roasted, and finally reach various coffee shops, supermarkets and consumers.

International trade has an impact on coffee prices and quality