Where do coffee beans come from? I’m a coffee lover and I often wonder this. Let’s explore the answer to this question together. Coffee has become a beloved drink. In fact, it has become a staple of our lives. Moreover, many people around the globe can’t even start their day without sipping on coffee. It’s not wrong to say that the world revolves around it. After all, this rich dark beverage is delicious. It tantalizes all your senses in the most delightful way. Read till the end to find out where this drink comes from.
Where do Coffee Beans Come From?
Well, here is a simple answer to the question – where do coffee beans come from? – Coffee Plant. Yes, that’s right! Furthermore, a coffee plant is a bush-like plant on which bright colored cherries grow. Inside these cherries, you can find coffee beans. This means coffee beans are extracted from a fruit.
“A coffee bean refers to the seed of the coffee plant and it is the source of coffee we drink.” – Wikipedia
In reality, a coffee bean is a seed. After all, it comes from a fruit and fruits have seeds, not beans. Then, why they are called so? Well, it is so because their appearance resembles true beans. And most fruits contain two seeds each with their flat sides together. Besides, there are also fruits that contain a single seed, known as peaberry. Many people believe that these seeds – peaberries – are more flavorful than the regular ones.
Did You Know? | 10-15% of all the coffee beans around the world are peaberries. |
Quick Question: what is a Green Coffee Bean?
As you know by now the coffee we drink comes from fruit. And green coffee or green beans refer to the coffee seeds in their raw form. Mostly, these seeds are just separated and manufacturers have to process and roast them.
The Origin – Where Do Coffee Beans Come From?
While discussing where the beans that make our coffee comes from, you should not just consider the source plant but also the origin where it grows. After all, origin makes a significant difference. Furthermore, you should know that most coffees are grown in the tropical region, including Brazil, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. These areas have the perfect conditions for the coffee plants to grow and thrive. Here’s a fun fact for you: this region is also called coffee belt because of the bulk amount of coffee plants grown here.
Why Does the Origin of Coffee Beans Matter?
During your where do coffee beans come from quest you may also wonder this. Well, you should know that origin defines the main quality of coffee: the flavor. Yes, that’s right! Coffee beans from different origins have different flavor profiles. For example, if you sip on Ethiopian coffee, it will have a fruity taste. However, Columbian coffee has a smoother mouthfeel. Also known as terroir, the origin of the coffee defines the taste, texture, aroma, and several other characteristics of these beans.
Fun Fact!There are two types of coffee blends: single-origin and mixed blends. Single-origin contains coffee beans from only one origin. On the other hand, mixed blends have coffee beans from multiple origins. |
You may wonder: how does the terroir or origin impacts the flavor of coffee beans. Well, its not just the area. In fact, the following aspects do:
- Soil
- Climate
- Growth Conditions
What are the Types of Coffee Beans?
Your quest of where do coffee beans come from has brought us here! We’re discussing different types of coffee beans. You should know that the types of coffee beans differ based on the origin. This means different regions around the world have their own local coffee beans. Hence, based on the origin, there are several types of coffee beans. However, the following are the most popular ones:
- Arabica
- Robusta
Apart from being popular for their flavors, these beans are also economically important. After all, they are the most sold ones globally. Arabica tops the charts with 60% worldwide production. Robusta comes second with approximately 40% production.
How to Find the Best Coffee Beans?
Undoubtedly, your cup of joe deserves the best in flavors, aroma and smoothness. However, to make it happen, you have to buy the best quality coffee beans out there. With so many options out there, hunting the right ones becomes more difficult. So, what should you do? Make peace with ordinary beans with no magic of flavors? Well, no. NOT AT ALL! Here, I’ve compiled some tips for you to find the best coffee beans – easily. Follow these and you are sorted!
- Ask Your Circle
To find the best coffee beans, ask your friends and family for recommendations. They can share their favorite brands and blends. And this way, you can come across a really good one. Plus, you can always trust the personal experiences and preferences of coffee enthusiasts. After all, they passionately keep on trying new types of coffee. So, with their help, there is a high chance that you find your ideal coffee.
- Search Online
This is another easy way to find the best quality coffee beans. Look for reviews on coffee-specific websites and forums where enthusiasts discuss their favorite beans and roasts. Besides, you can even search Google for the best artisan coffee stores. Believe me, they have the most premium coffee. And hey, don’t forget to read reviews before you buy anything.
- Prioritize Freshness
Always make sure that the coffee beans you buy are freshly roasted. This step is very important if you want to experience the richest of flavors and aromas. For this, you can look for the roast date on the packaging. Moreover, you should choose beans roasted within the last two weeks. Also, try purchasing smaller quantities so you consume them when they are fresh. Because who wants to sip on stale coffee? No one! Prefer pre-ground coffee for an even fresher experience.
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