Coffee beans: discover the secrets of this amazing plant

The origin of coffee beans

Coffee beans are seeds from the coffee tree, which is native to Ethiopia in Africa. According to archaeologists, the earliest records of using coffee beans as beverages can be traced back to the 15th century BC. At that time, people ground coffee beans and mixed them with water to drink, which became a popular drink.

Coffee tree and berries

Coffee trees belong to the Rubiaceae family and can grow up to 10 meters in height under suitable climatic conditions. They prefer warm and humid places with high altitudes and fertile and well-drained soil. They bloom and bear fruit in spring and autumn every year, and the flowers are white or light pink.

After the flowers fall, the fruit begins to form. These fruits look like cherries and are called "coffee cherries". Inside the fruit are two small seeds - what we call "coffee beans". Each fruit usually has only two whole coffee beans, but some fruits only contain one seed.

Coffee bean processing

When coffee cherries are ripe, farmers pick them by hand or mechanically. They then soak the fruits in water to remove the pulp. This process is called "wet processing," and it helps remove the pulp and preserve the seeds.

Next, the seeds are placed in the sun to dry. Once completely dry, the outer skin can be easily peeled off by rolling or beating. The inner seed obtained in this way is what we call "green coffee bean".

In order to make the roasted coffee beans we commonly see, the roasting process is required after the outer skin is peeled off. This process is usually carried out at high temperatures, and different times and temperatures are selected according to the desired taste and aroma.

Caffeine and flavor

Caffeine is a chemical found naturally in coffee beans. It is a stimulant that helps to wake you up. The amount of caffeine in a cup depends on the type of coffee bean and how well it is roasted.

In addition to caffeine, coffee beans also contain a large number of aroma compounds. These compounds change during the roasting process, forming different types of flavor characteristics. For example, light roasting produces light, high-acid coffee with floral and fruity aromas, while dark roasting makes the coffee more bitter and oily.

Conclusion

By exploring this amazing plant - the coffee tree and its seeds - we can better understand why people are so fascinated by coffee. From its origin to its processing to its flavor profile, every step is essential to making a great cup of coffee.

So, when you enjoy a cup of delicious coffee, remember that there are many secrets and stories hidden behind it!