What kind of plant do coffee beans grow on?

Coffee bean growing environment

Coffee beans are a type of seed produced by coffee plants. These plants belong to a classification that scientists call the genus Coffea. Across the globe, there are many different types of coffee trees that are adapted to a variety of climates and soil conditions.

Arabica and Robusta: The Two Main Varieties

The two most common main varieties are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is the most popular and widely consumed variety and is generally of higher quality, more complex and better tasting. Robusta, on the other hand, is relatively cheaper and has a stronger, bitter and less varied taste.

Breaking out of the shell: from flower to fruit

Before we start discussing the coffee bean growing process, let's take a look at the key steps involved in the whole process. First, under the right temperature, the coffee tree will bloom small white or dark red flowers. These flowers usually grow on the tree and take about a week to fully open.

Once the flowers of a coffee plant are fully open, they are visited by pollinators such as insects, birds, and wind. These pollinators will help transfer pollen from the stamens to the pistils, allowing the pollination process to occur.

As pollination is complete, fertilized eggs begin to form and gradually develop into fruits. This process usually takes several months, depending on the variety and climatic conditions.

Green beans to mature beans: fruit changes

When coffee cherries first form, they have a light green or yellow appearance. Over time, with enough sunlight and water, they turn red or dark red.

When coffee beans reach full maturity, they are enclosed in a hard shell connected to the pulp, which is usually dark brown or dark brown in color.

Picking: Manual or mechanical?

Picking coffee beans is usually a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. In some areas, farmers still rely on hand picking to ensure the quality of coffee beans.

However, in some large-scale plantations, farmers have begun using mechanized equipment to speed up the picking process, which can improve efficiency but can also cause damage to coffee trees and berries.

Processing: From pulp to green beans

Once the coffee beans are picked, they go through a processing process to remove the outer pulp and hard shell. This process usually includes soaking, fermentation, washing or drying steps.

The ultimate goal is to transform the coffee beans into a green state and ensure that their quality is maintained. Different processing methods will produce coffee with different taste and flavor characteristics.

Conclusion

In summary, coffee beans grow on plants belonging to the genus "Coffee". Arabica and Robusta are the two main varieties, which grow in different climates and soil conditions. From flowers to fruits, coffee beans go through a series of development processes before they are finally picked, processed, and transformed into green beans.

Whether picking by hand or mechanized, farmers are committed to ensuring the quality and taste of coffee beans. Through different processing methods, we can taste a variety of unique coffee flavors.