The mystery of coffee bean growth: Are they grown on trees or nurtured underground?

The mystery of coffee bean growth: Are they grown on trees or nurtured underground?

The growth of coffee beans, the raw material for one of the world's most popular beverages, has always been a topic of mystery and speculation. Some believe that coffee beans grow on coffee trees, while others firmly believe that they grow underground. So, which statement is correct? This article will explore this question.

1. Coffee beans grow on trees

Those who support the idea that coffee beans are produced on the tree believe that when the coffee fruit matures, the skin will split and expose two small and cute coffee beans inside. They point out that these pairs of closely connected and neatly shaped elves can be clearly seen during the picking process.

They also point to the fact that excess nutrients (such as sucrose) produced during the development of flowers and fruits are converted into energy and stored in the coffee beans. This view holds that only the fruit that bears fruit on the tree can produce enough energy through photosynthesis to supply the coffee beans with.

2. Coffee beans grow underground

On the contrary, those who support the view that "coffee beans are grown underground" firmly believe that the small pairs of coffee beans seen during the picking process are only part of the complete fruit that has been retained. They believe that the truly fully developed coffee beans with nutritional value are actually hidden deep underground.

They mentioned that after the flower is fertilized, it will form an orange-sized mass of tissue containing about 30 immature ovules (potential coffee beans), and this mass will gradually break away from the flower and move toward the ground over time. Eventually, after several months or even longer, these ovules will fully develop and be dug up and harvested by farmers.

3. Modern scientific analysis

Although both views have their rationality, modern scientific research has given a more accurate answer to this question. According to scientists' research results, coffee beans are actually hardened and grown on coffee trees.

Using microscopes and other high-precision instruments, scientists have discovered that after the flower is fertilized, the ovule develops rapidly and forms a small embryo sac. Over time, the embryo sac gradually separates from the flower and moves toward the ground. When it reaches the ground, it already has enough nutrients and energy to support the continued growth of coffee beans.

In addition, the water, oxygen and nutrients needed in the underground incubation process are also supplied to the fruit by the tree absorbing from the environment. Therefore, it can be said that coffee beans are solidified on the tree and incubated underground.

4. Conclusion

In summary, there is no simple answer to the question of "Do coffee beans grow on the tree or grow underground?" Although people may be confused by the coffee beans they see during the picking process at first, through modern scientific research and analysis, we can conclude that coffee beans are actually grown on the tree and grow underground.

This discovery not only reveals the secrets of coffee bean growth, but also makes people more grateful and cherish this delicious drink. Whether on the tree or underground, each coffee bean has gone through a long and complex growth process, and deserves enough respect before it is finally picked, roasted and brewed.