Coffea

Detail of Coffea canephora branch and leaves

Freshly harvested coffee cherries

CoffeeBerry

Coffe flower

Pollen grains of Coffee plant

Coffea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. Coffea species are shrubs or small trees native to tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia. The seeds of some species, called coffee beans, are used to flavor various beverages and products. The two most popular species of Coffea, Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee) and Coffea canephora (Robusta coffee), account for almost all commercial coffee production.

Description

Coffea plants are small trees or shrubs that can grow up to 10 meters in height, but are often pruned shorter in cultivation. The leaves are dark green and glossy, often with a lighter underside. The flowers are white, fragrant, and appear in clusters. The fruit of the Coffea plant is called a cherry and it typically contains two seeds, what we commonly refer to as coffee beans.

Cultivation and Harvesting

Coffea plants are cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in the equatorial regions of the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa. The plants prefer rich soil, mild temperatures, frequent rain, and shaded sun. Arabica coffee is predominantly grown in Latin America, eastern Africa, Arabia, and Asia, while Robusta coffee is found in central and western Africa, throughout southeast Asia, and Brazil.

The process of coffee cultivation involves several stages, including planting, watering, and applying fertilizers and pesticides. Harvesting can be done either by hand, picking only the ripe cherries, or by strip harvesting, where all cherries are removed from a branch at one time. After harvesting, the beans are extracted from the cherries, fermented, washed, and dried.

Economic Importance

Coffee is one of the world's most valuable traded commodities, second only to petroleum in some years. The coffee industry provides employment to millions of people worldwide, including farmers, brokers, processors, and retailers. The economic stability of several countries depends heavily on coffee crops.

Species

There are over 120 species of Coffea, but the most commercially important are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. Coffea arabica is preferred for its smoother, more flavorful taste, while Coffea canephora is more robust and higher in caffeine, but considered to be of inferior taste.

Environmental Impact

The cultivation of Coffea has significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, pesticide pollution, and habitat destruction. The shift towards sun cultivation, which increases yield but requires the clearing of trees, has been particularly controversial. Efforts are being made to promote more sustainable coffee cultivation practices.

Health and Consumption

Coffee consumption has been linked to various health effects, both positive and negative. Studies have shown that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. However, excessive coffee consumption can lead to negative effects, including anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns.