Coffee

A cup of coffee

Latte and dark coffee

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Washington Coffee advertisement

Coffee is a plant (Coffea) and a popular beverage made from its seeds. The coffee plant is a bush or tree that can grow up to ten meters (about 32 feet) high but is usually pruned to make harvesting easier. It originally grew in Africa, but now it is cultivated in South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia.

Coffee plays a vital role in the economy of many countries, being one of the most widely traded commodities in the world. The first branded coffee sold commercially was Nes Café in 1879.

The drink is made from the seeds of the coffee plant, known as coffee beans. Coffee is typically served hot but can also be enjoyed as a cold beverage. It contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that enhances alertness and reduces fatigue.

Processing Coffee

Before coffee beans are brewed into a drink, they undergo several steps:

• Harvesting – Ripe coffee cherries are picked by hand or machine.
• Processing – The beans are extracted from the fruit, dried, and sometimes fermented.
• Roasting – The dried beans are heated to develop their characteristic flavor.
• Grinding – The roasted beans are crushed into smaller particles.
• Brewing – The ground coffee is combined with hot water to extract the flavors.

Types of Coffee Plants

There are two main species of coffee plants:

• Coffea Arabica – The most widely consumed variety, making up about 60–70% of global coffee production. It has a milder flavor and less caffeine.
• Coffea Robusta – Easier to grow in harsher climates, it contains more caffeine and has a stronger, more bitter taste.

Other lesser-known species include Coffea liberica and Coffea excelsa.

Coffee Production

Coffee fruit (cherries)

Coffee beans before roasting

Coffee beans after roasting

Coffee production involves several steps before it reaches consumers:

Harvesting

Coffee is usually handpicked or machine-harvested when the cherries are ripe. Some coffee beans are "aged" for three to eight years to develop a unique taste.

Processing Methods

There are two primary methods to extract coffee beans:

• Dry processing – Coffee cherries are sun-dried before removing the outer layers.
• Wet processing – The cherries are soaked in water to separate the beans from the pulp.

Roasting

"Roasting" transforms green coffee beans into brown coffee beans. The intensity of roasting impacts the flavor:

• Light Roast – Mild, retains original flavors.
• Medium Roast – Balanced acidity and body.
• Dark Roast – Strong, bold flavors with reduced acidity.

Grinding

Coffee is ground before brewing. The grind size depends on the brewing method:

• Coarse grind – Used for French press and cold brew.
• Medium grind – Common for drip coffee makers.
• Fine grind – Used for espresso.
• Extra fine grind – Ideal for Turkish coffee.

Brewing Methods

Coffee is made by brewing ground coffee beans in hot water. Popular methods include:

• Boiling – Traditional method used in Turkish coffee and Greek coffee.
• Pressure brewing – Used in espresso machines.
• Gravity brewing – Common in drip coffee makers.
• Steeping – Used in French press and coffee bags.

Coffee Beverages

Thick Turkish coffee, made in a special copper pot

Coffee can be enjoyed with food

"Flat white" coffee is often decorated.

Different coffee beverages are made using various brewing methods and ingredients:

• Black coffee – Coffee without milk or sugar.
• White coffee – Coffee with added milk or cream.
• Espresso – Strong, concentrated coffee served in small amounts.
• Americano – Espresso diluted with hot water.
• Cappuccino – Espresso with frothed milk, often topped with cocoa powder.
• Latte – Espresso with more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
• Flat white – A stronger version of latte with a smoother texture.
• Irish coffee – Coffee mixed with whiskey and cream.
• Iced coffee – Cold coffee served over ice, milk, or ice cream.
• Vietnamese coffee – Strong coffee brewed using a phin filter, usually served with sweetened condensed milk.
• Frappé coffee – A blended or iced version of coffee, popular in Greece.

Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is a quick and convenient way to make coffee. It is produced by: 1. Brewing strong coffee. 2. Drying it into granules or powder. 3. Packaging for easy dissolving in hot water.

While instant coffee is convenient, it often has a different taste compared to freshly brewed coffee.

Coffee Culture Around the World

A coffee shop in France

Coffee is an integral part of many cultures:

• In Italy, coffee is served as espresso.
• In France, people enjoy café au lait.
• In Ethiopia, coffee ceremonies involve roasting, grinding, and brewing in a social setting.
• In Turkey, coffee is served thick and strong, often with fortune-telling using coffee grounds.
• In Scandinavia, people drink the most coffee per capita.

Health Effects of Coffee

Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system.

Potential Health Benefits

• Boosts energy levels – Enhances alertness and focus.
• Rich in antioxidants – May reduce the risk of certain diseases.
• May lower risk of some diseases – Studies suggest coffee reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and liver disease.
• Improves metabolism – Aids in fat burning and physical performance.

Potential Health Risks

• Caffeine dependence – Regular consumption may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
• Insomnia and anxiety – High doses of caffeine can disturb sleep patterns.
• Increased heart rate – May cause palpitations in some individuals.
• Effects on pregnancy – Excessive caffeine intake may pose risks to pregnant women.

Environmental Impact of Coffee Production

Coffee farming affects the environment in several ways:

• Deforestation – Large-scale plantations contribute to forest loss.
• Water usage – Coffee processing requires large amounts of water.
• Fair trade coffee – Ethical certifications ensure better wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices.

See Also

• Tea
• Caffeine
• Espresso
• Barista
• Coffee shop

External Links

• Coffee Research Institute
• Coffee & Conservation