A coffee bean is the seed of the coffee plant, which is the source of coffee. It is the pip inside the red or purple fruit, commonly referred to as a coffee cherry. Similar to ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is a stone fruit.
Despite the coffee beans not being actual beans, they are known as such because of their resemblance to true beans. The most common type of coffee cherry contains two stones with flat sides together, called cherries or berries. A small percentage of cherries contain a single seed instead of the usual two, known as a "peaberry."
The peaberry occurs only between 10% and 15% of the time, and it is widely believed that they have more flavor than normal coffee beans. Like Brazil nuts (a seed) and white rice, coffee beans consist mostly of the endosperm.
The two most economically important varieties of the coffee plant are the Arabica and Robusta, with Arabica making up about 60% of the coffee produced worldwide, and Robusta making up the remaining 40%.
Arabica beans consist of 0.8–1.4% caffeine, while Robusta beans contain 1.7–4.0% caffeine. Coffee beans are a major cash crop and an important export product, accounting for over 50% of some developing nations' foreign exchange earnings. In 2017, 70% of total coffee production was exported, worth US$19.9 billion.
A roasted coffee bean is easily recognizable, but an actual coffee plant might not be as familiar. Coffee trees are pruned short to conserve their energy and aid in harvesting but can grow to over 30 feet (9 meters) high.
Each tree is covered with green, waxy leaves growing opposite each other in pairs, and coffee cherries grow along the branches. Because coffee grows in a continuous cycle, it's not unusual to see flowers, green fruit, and ripe fruit simultaneously on a single tree.
It takes nearly a year for a cherry to mature after first flowering, and about five years of growth to reach full fruit production. While coffee plants can live up to 100 years, they are generally most productive between the ages of 7 and 20.
Proper care can maintain and even increase their output over the years, depending on the variety. The average coffee tree produces 10 pounds of coffee cherry per year or 2 pounds of green beans.
All commercially grown coffee comes from a region of the world known as the Coffee Belt. The trees grow best in rich soil, with mild temperatures, frequent rain, and shaded sun.
There are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is the most commonly produced variety and is considered higher quality, accounting for over 60% of the coffee beans produced worldwide.
These beans are grown at high altitudes and need to be in an area that has steady rainfall and plenty of shade. Arabica is full of flavor and aroma but is delicate and can be affected by its environment.
On the other hand, Robusta is the second most produced coffee bean in the world. As the name suggests, the Robusta bean is hardy and is immune to a variety of diseases.
This type of coffee bean grows best in a hot climate with irregular rainfall and can grow at a number of altitudes. Robusta beans contain double the amount of caffeine compared to Arabica beans, offering a more robust and harsh flavor. The beans also have a smooth texture and a slight chocolate hint, making them an ideal choice to have with milk and sugar.
Coffee beans are an essential commodity, with Arabica and Robusta being the most commonly produced varieties worldwide.
