Known for it’s taste and it’s addictive properties, coffee is a popular hot beverage among many. This delicious and addictive drink is made using coffee beans. So, how do coffee beans grow?
This comprehensive guide details the entire process, so grab a cuppa and dig in!
Meet the Coffee Plant
Coffee beans come from the coffee plant, which is a tropical shrub that thrives in the warmth of the sun.
The Coffee Bean Belt
Coffee plants tend to grow in regions known as the coffee belt or the bean belt. This belt wraps around the Earth near the equator, where countries like Brazil, Ethiopia, and Vietnam enjoy perfect coffee-growing climates.
The Maturation Process
The coffee plant takes 3 to 4 years to mature. It sprouts glossy, dark green leaves that spread out to catch the sunlight.
After a few years, the plant blossoms with fragrant white flowers. These blooms have a delightful scent, similar to jasmine, and they’re a sign that the plant is ready to bear fruit.
Cherries
The fruits of the coffee plant are called “cherries” because of their bright red color when they’re ripe and ready to be picked.
Hidden inside each of these small, round cherries are two seeds, which we refer to as coffee beans.
Interestingly, not all cherries have two seeds; some rare ones, called peaberries, contain only one. This unique bean is often sought after for its distinctive flavor.
Different Types of Coffee Plants
There are two main types of coffee plants: Arabica and Robusta. Their beans are used in the majority of the world’s coffee production.
Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica beans prefer the cooler climates found in higher altitudes, often between 600 and 2,000 meters above sea level. Brazil is the largest producer of Arabica coffee beans.
This leisurely growth period allows Arabica beans to develop a complex, nuanced flavor profile that includes hints of sugar, fruits, and berries. Their taste is often described as smoother and sweeter compared to their Robusta counterparts.
Additionally, they have less caffeine, which contributes to their milder taste and is gentler on those with caffeine sensitivities. This makes them more popular among the two.
Robusta Coffee Beans
Robusta beans thrive in warmer climates, usually at altitudes below 600 meters. They are more resistant to diseases and pests. They can also withstand harsher environments and are found in diverse regions, from Africa to Southeast Asia.
These beans grow more quickly than Arabica plants, but this rapid growth and their resilience come at a cost.
They are known for their stronger, more bitter flavor, which can be described as earthy or nutty. They pack more caffeine, which also makes the bean less sweet.
Harvesting Coffee Beans
Harvesting coffee beans is a meticulous process that requires careful attention and precision from coffee farmers. The optimal time for harvesting coffee beans is when they are fully ripe, which is indicated by the bright red color of the cherries.
Harvesting is usually done by hand, with skilled workers carefully selecting only the ripest berries. The beans are then carefully removed from the coffee tree, with care taken not to cause damage.
This process must be done quickly to prevent spoilage and ensure the highest quality of beans.
Extracting The Beans
Once the cherries are gathered, it’s time to extract the beans. There are a few different methods farmers can use, each with its own impact on the flavor of the coffee:
Dry Process
This is one of the oldest and most natural methods. The cherries are spread out in the sun to dry, often on large patios or raised beds. They’re turned regularly to dry evenly.
Over time, the sun’s warmth draws out the moisture, and the fruit shrinks away, leaving the beans dry and ready for the next step.
This method can give the coffee a sweet, fruity flavor because the beans have more time to absorb the sugars from the cherry.
Wet Process
In this method, the cherries are washed with large amounts of water. This helps to remove the fruit’s flesh from the bean.
Coffee made from beans processed this way often tastes cleaner and brighter, with a more pronounced acidity.
Honey Process
This is a hybrid method that’s a bit like the dry and wet processes combined. Some of the fruit is left on the beans while they dry. This isn’t actual honey, but the sticky, sweet layer that’s left behind is reminiscent of it, hence the name.
Beans prepared this way can have a balance of sweet and fruity flavors, with a body that’s somewhere between the dry and wet-processed coffees.
Milling Process
After the beans are separated from the cherries and dried, they go through a milling process to remove any remaining layers. Now, they look more like the green coffee beans we might recognize.
The Journey of Coffee Beans
Once coffee cherries are harvested and processed, they are sent to various parts of the world by exporters. They navigate through paperwork, laws, and long distances to bring the beans to various countries.
Next, the beans arrive at the roasters. Roasters apply heat to the beans, cooking them until they turn brown and give off that irresistible aroma. The coffee roasting process brings out the flavors hidden inside the beans, making them perfect for brewing.
Then the roasted coffee beans are packed and sent to your local coffee shop or other stores. where they are bought by coffee lovers such as yourself.
Origins of Coffee
Now that we know how coffee beans are grown and harvested, why not learn a little about the history of coffee?
Coffee beans were discovered in Kaffa, a region of Ethiopia. According to legends, a shepherd named Kaldi discovered the plant when he saw his goats preferred to eat from it.
Coffee was first recorded as being used as a beverage in Yemen in the 15th century when it was consumed from clay bowls. It was quite popular, but it’s popularity exploded once traders brought back coffee to Europe.
Final Thoughts: Learning How Coffee Beans Grow Is Important
Growing coffee beans is quite a long process. Once the cherries are ripe, they are then harvested and processed, which is also a lengthy process. High quality coffee beans produce the best coffee blends.
Learning about coffee growing and its many steps can give us a greater appreciation for the beverage.