Coffee Trees and Coffee Beans: Morphology and Characteristics

The shape and characteristics of coffee trees

The coffee tree is an evergreen tree belonging to the Rubiaceae family, Coffea genus. It usually grows at high altitudes and prefers warm, humid climates and soils rich in organic matter. The coffee tree can grow up to 10 meters tall, with branches spreading out to form a dense crown.

The leaves of the coffee tree are bright green and are sensitive to light, becoming more vivid under strong light. The leaves are usually ovate or oval with serrated edges. The leaves are covered with tiny, soft hairs.

Coffee trees usually bloom in spring or summer, producing small white or light pink flowers at the ends of branches. These flowers are clustered into axillary or terminal racemes and emit a rich and pleasant aroma.

Different varieties of coffee beans

Different varieties of coffee beans vary in appearance, taste, and flavor. Here are some common coffee bean varieties:

1. Arabica coffee beans: Arabica coffee beans are one of the most popular and widely used varieties. They are usually large and oval or oblate in shape. Arabica coffee beans are characterized by high acidity, rich aroma and smooth taste.

2. Robusta coffee beans: Robusta coffee beans are easier to cultivate than Arabica, so the price is relatively low. They are usually small and round, with a smooth and uniform surface. Robusta coffee beans have a bitter and strong flavor.

3. Excelsa: Excelsa is a relatively rare but unique variety. They are different from other varieties and can be used to brew black or dark roasted coffee, or to make light or medium roasted coffee with special flavors.

From tree to cup

The process of getting coffee beans from the tree to your cup is a complex and delicate one. First, farmers regularly prune and care for the coffee trees to ensure they remain healthy and produce high-quality beans.

When coffee trees bloom, farmers wait for the flowers to fade and form small fruits. These small fruits are initially green and gradually turn red or yellow over time. Before reaching full maturity, farmers carefully observe the color and size of the fruits and choose the best time to pick them.

Once picked, the coffee beans go through a series of processing steps including peeling, fermentation, washing, drying and screening. These steps are designed to remove the outer pulp and expose the coffee seeds inside.

Finally, after rigorous inspection and tasting tests, the high-quality coffee beans will be packaged and shipped to various places for people to enjoy.

Conclusion

By understanding the coffee tree and the different varieties of coffee beans, we can better understand the process of producing coffee and the reasons for different flavors. Whether it is Arabica, Robusta or Congo bush, each type of coffee bean has its own unique characteristics and flavor.

From tree to cup, farmers put a lot of effort into ensuring the quality of the final product, so when you sip a delicious cup of coffee, remember to thank the people who work so hard behind the scenes.