Coffee beans' botanical appearance revealed

Coffee beans' botanical appearance revealed

Coffee beans are a common beverage ingredient in our daily lives. After being roasted, they become the coffee we love. However, have you ever wondered what kind of plant these delicious coffee beans come from? Let's unveil the mystery of the appearance of the coffee bean plant.

1. Coffee Tree

Coffee beans are produced by a plant called the coffee tree. This tree belongs to the Rubiaceae family and its scientific name is Coffea. It usually grows in tropical and subtropical regions such as Africa, South America and Asia.

Coffee trees are usually between 2 and 5 meters tall, but some varieties can grow to over 10 meters. They have dense, lush leaves that appear dark green in the sun. The leaves vary in shape, with some being oval-shaped and others more heart-shaped.

2. Buds and flowers

When a young coffee tree reaches a certain height, it will begin to produce buds and flowers. These buds are usually light green and very soft. Over time, they will gradually turn into mature leaves.

The most eye-catching part of the coffee tree is the small white or light pink flowers. These flowers usually grow on the branches and appear in small groups. Each small group has dozens or even hundreds of flowers, adding a gorgeous scene to the whole tree.

3. Coffee cherries

Once the flowers on the coffee plant are pollinated, they gradually transform into berries, which are called "coffee cherries" because of their bright, round appearance and a variety of colors such as bright red or yellow.

Each coffee cherry contains two centrally located seeds, known as "coffee beans." Before processing, these beans are encased in pulp, which gives them a sticky texture. When coffee cherries ripen, they fall from the tree or are picked by hand.

4. Coffee Beans

After being picked, coffee beans need to be processed to remove pulp and other impurities. This process is usually called "coffee bean processing". Only after processing is completed can we get clean and hard coffee beans.

Ripe coffee beans are usually dark brown or black in color and have a smooth, shiny appearance. They are slightly curved in shape, resembling a small, oval seed. Each bean has a notch, which is caused by the separation of two seeds from each other inside the fruit.

5. Other special varieties

In addition to traditional varieties such as Arabica and Robusta, there are also some special types of coffee trees and corresponding coffee beans with special appearances.

For example, the ‘Ivory Coast’ variety produces beans that are light yellow in colour and have a soft, brittle texture, while the ‘Blue Mountain’ variety produces beans that are lighter in colour, larger in shape and have a bronze sheen.

in conclusion

By uncovering the secrets of the coffee bean plant, we can better understand the origins of these delicious beverages. From the bud to the flower, to the ripe fruit and finally the processed coffee bean, each stage shows different characteristics and charm.

Next time you sip a cup of aromatic, rich-tasting coffee, remember that it comes from plants that went through many stages to become this precious little treasure in your hands.