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Where do coffee beans come from?

Published in Coffee Production 2 mins read

Coffee beans come from the coffee plant.

The Origin of Coffee Beans

Contrary to their name, coffee beans are not true beans. They are actually the seeds found inside the berries or "cherries" of the coffee plant.

The Coffee Plant

Coffee beans originate from the coffee plant, which is described as a bush-like plant. These plants naturally grow quite tall, but to make harvesting easier and keep them manageable, coffee farmers typically prune them to a height of around 5 feet.

The Coffee Cherry

On the branches of the coffee plant, you find bunches of vibrant, red berries that resemble cherries. These are known as coffee cherries. Each coffee cherry usually contains two coffee beans inside.

Types of Coffee Beans

The reference specifically mentions that inside these cherries, you'll find two types of coffee beans:

  • Arabica
  • Robusta

These are the two primary species of coffee grown and traded globally, each with distinct characteristics in terms of flavor, aroma, and caffeine content.

Therefore, the journey of a coffee bean begins on the coffee plant, inside the protective layer of the coffee cherry.

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