Coffee beans: fruit or puzzle?

Coffee beans: fruit or puzzle?

Coffee beans have always been an indispensable part of people's lives. Whether it is the first cup of coffee in the morning or the latte at afternoon tea, coffee plays an important role. However, have you ever wondered whether coffee beans are a fruit or a puzzle? In this article, we will explore this question and analyze it from multiple angles.

Origin and classification

First, let's look at the origin and classification of coffee beans. In fact, coffee beans come from a plant called the "coffee tree". This tree produces fruits that are similar in size and shape to cherries, and turn red or yellow when ripe. These fruits contain two seeds inside - what we call "coffee beans". So from this perspective, it can be said that coffee beans are fruits.

However, in the commercial world, there are strict definitions and standardized regulations for food classification. According to the food classification system developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), coffee beans are classified as "nuts" in the International Food Standard. This is because during the processing of coffee beans, the outer pulp is removed, leaving only the seeds inside. Therefore, from a commercial perspective, coffee beans are regarded as nuts.

Nutritional Value

Next, let's explore the nutritional value of coffee beans. Whether it's fruit or puzzle, people pay attention to its impact on health when choosing food. Coffee beans are rich in vitamins and minerals and contain a large amount of antioxidants. These ingredients play an important role in protecting the body from free radical damage, improving heart health, and preventing chronic diseases.

Coffee is also believed to have a stimulating effect and improve concentration and memory, thanks to the caffeine it contains. However, it should be noted that excessive caffeine intake may lead to adverse reactions and dependence problems.

Production process

The last angle we consider is the production process. Whether it is coffee beans or coffee powder, they need to go through a series of processing steps to become the beverage we are familiar with. This process includes picking, peeling, fermentation, drying and roasting.

In this production process, we can see the connection between coffee beans and fruits. From the beginning of picking, we need to select coffee fruits of appropriate maturity and remove their outer pulp. Then, during the fermentation and drying stages, the internal seeds will undergo a series of chemical reactions and water loss processes.

in conclusion

To sum up, there is no clear answer to the question "Coffee beans: fruit or puzzle?" From a botanical point of view, coffee beans are fruits; according to commercial standards, they are classified as nuts.

Regardless of how they are classified, coffee beans are significant in terms of nutritional value and, through the production process, exhibit properties associated with fruit.

So, as you enjoy a delicious, aromatic cup of coffee, remember the origin and diversity of coffee beans, and the health benefits they provide.