Coffee
Coffee is a globally cherished beverage brewed from the seeds of the Coffea plant. The drink is known for its dark color, bitter flavor, and slight acidity, and is revered for its stimulating effects on humans, attributed to its caffeine content. Coffee is made by roasting the seeds, commonly known as coffee beans, grinding them, and brewing them with water.
History of Coffee
The history of coffee is as rich and complex as the beverage itself. It originates from wild coffee plants in Ethiopia, with evidence suggesting that the native people discovered the energizing effects of coffee beans. The beverage's journey began in Yemen, where it was first cultivated and brewed. Coffee rapidly spread throughout the Middle East, and by the 15th century, it had reached the Ottoman Empire and the rest of the Arab world.
By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe, becoming a significant part of European culture. Coffee houses, known as "penny universities" due to their intellectual atmosphere, began to emerge, particularly in England and France.
The Coffee Plant
The coffee plant belongs to the genus Coffea in the family Rubiaceae. The most popular species are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. These flowering plants are native to tropical Africa and some islands in Southern Asia. The coffee beans, which are seeds of these plants, are surrounded by a cherry-like fruit, often referred to as the coffee cherry.
The coffee genome was sequenced in 2014, unveiling over 25,000 genes and offering insights into the caffeine production pathway. Interestingly, coffee plants evolved to make caffeine independently from other plants, illustrating convergent evolution.
Coffee Production
Coffee production is a multifaceted industrial process that begins with the cultivation of Coffea plants in coffee plantations. Brazil is the world's leading coffee producer, responsible for about a third of global bean supply. Other major producers include Vietnam, Colombia, and Ethiopia.
The process involves harvesting the coffee cherries, extracting the beans, and then drying, roasting, and grinding them before they are brewed. Various methods of harvesting and processing, such as the distinctive Kopi Luwak, contribute to the diversity of coffee flavors worldwide.
Coffee Culture
Coffee culture encompasses the social behaviors, rituals, and traditions surrounding coffee consumption. It serves as a social lubricant in many societies, facilitating conversation and community interaction. The concept of coffee culture varies globally — from the espresso bars of Italy to the leisurely coffee shops in Sweden.
Third-wave coffee is a movement within coffee culture emphasizing artisanal, high-quality coffee production with a focus on single-origin and light roasts to highlight the bean's unique flavors. This movement represents a shift from coffee as a commodity to coffee as an artisanal product.