The origin and growth of coffee beans: Tracing their story

The origin of coffee beans

Coffee beans are seeds from the coffee tree, which is native to the Ethiopian Plateau in Africa. According to archaeologists, the earliest record of coffee can be traced back to the 9th century AD. According to legend, a shepherd found that his sheep became unusually active after eating a red fruit. Driven by curiosity, he also tried the fruit and felt the mental refreshing effect it brought.

Coffee tree growing environment

The Ethiopian Plateau is an ideal environment for growing coffee. It has suitable temperature, altitude and rainfall conditions, providing coffee trees with sufficient sunlight and water. In addition, the cultivation of high-quality coffee beans also requires the combined influence of factors such as soil texture, pH and climate change.

From flowers to ripe fruits

When the weather is right, mature coffee trees will produce white flowers. These flowers emit a strong aroma, attracting bees and other insects to come and pollinate. After pollination is completed, the flowers will gradually wither and form green coffee cherries.

Harvesting and processing coffee cherries

Generally, it takes about 9 months for coffee berries to fully mature. At harvest time, farmers choose to pick them by hand or use mechanical equipment. The picked coffee berries are usually divided into two categories: red and yellow. Red berries tend to be sweeter and are considered the key to producing high-quality coffee beans.

Removal of outer layer and fermentation

Soon after harvest, farmers wash the beans in water to remove the outer pulp. They are then placed in a specific environment for fermentation, which helps remove residual substances and enhances flavor characteristics.

Drying and baking

After fermentation, the beans need to be dried. Farmers spread them out on large platforms and expose them to the sun so that the water can evaporate. Dried beans usually have a higher moisture content and need to be roasted to remove excess moisture and enhance aroma.

Grinding and Brewing

The final step is to grind the coffee beans into powder and use it to brew coffee drinks. Different grinding degrees and brewing methods will affect the final taste and flavor.

Conclusion

By tracing the origin and growth process of coffee beans, we can better understand the rich and complex story behind this intoxicating drink. From cultivation, harvesting to processing, all aspects have an important impact on the quality of the final coffee. Therefore, when enjoying a cup of delicious and fragrant coffee, please remember to cherish every miraculous fruit given to us by nature.