What is Coffee Made From?
Coffee, the beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, is made from the seeds of coffee berries. These seeds, commonly known as coffee beans, undergo a series of intricate processes before they find their way into your cup.
The Coffee Plant
The coffee plant, scientifically known as Coffea, produces small, cherry-like fruits often referred to as coffee cherries. Within these cherries are the coffee beans, which are actually the pits or seeds. Each cherry typically contains two seeds.
Harvesting and Processing
The journey of a coffee bean begins with the harvesting of these cherries. Farmers carefully handpick the ripe cherries, ensuring optimal flavor. The cherries are then processed to extract the beans. There are two primary processing methods: dry and wet.
- Dry Processing: In this traditional method, cherries are spread out in the sun to dry. Once dried, the outer layers are removed, revealing the beans.
- Wet Processing: Cherries are pulped to remove the outer skin, and the beans are then fermented to remove the remaining layers.
Roasting
After processing, the beans are roasted to develop the flavors we associate with coffee. Roasting is an art that requires expertise and precision. The roasting process involves heating the beans at specific temperatures, leading to chemical changes that give coffee its unique aroma and taste.
next up...