Does Coffee Grow on Trees or Plants?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world and provides a vital source of income for millions of people. However, very few people know exactly where coffee comes from or how it is grown. One of the most common questions people ask about coffee is whether it grows on trees or plants. The answer is simple: coffee grows on trees.

The Coffee Tree

The coffee tree, also known as Coffea, is a small, evergreen tree that originates from the tropical regions of Africa. Today, coffee is grown in over 50 countries around the world, including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam. While the height of the tree varies, on average, it grows to about 6 meters tall. Coffee trees start producing fruit, which is known as coffee cherries, after three years of being planted.

The Coffee Cherry

The coffee cherry is the fruit of the coffee tree and contains the coffee bean. The coffee cherry is about the size of a grape, and the outer skin of the cherry is thick and fleshy, while the inner portion is thin and parchment-like. Coffee cherries start off green, then turn yellow and eventually red as they mature. The color of the cherry is an indication of how ripe the coffee bean inside is. As a general rule, the darker the cherry, the more ripe the bean inside.

Harvesting Coffee Cherries

The coffee industry is labor-intensive and requires a considerable amount of work. Coffee cherries are typically harvested by hand, as they ripen at different times, making it impossible to harvest them mechanically. Some of the best coffee beans in the world are still picked by hand, ensuring that only the ripest cherries are selected for processing.

Coffee Processing Methods

After the coffee cherries are harvested, they need to be processed to remove the coffee bean from the cherry. There are two main methods used to process coffee: the wet method and the dry method. The wet method involves removing the outer skin of the cherry and fermenting the bean. The dry method involves drying the cherry in the sun until it is completely dry, then removing the outer skin. The method used depends on the location and the desired flavor profile of the coffee.

Conclusion

Coffee is a complex and fascinating plant that has been cultivated and enjoyed for centuries. The coffee tree produces the coffee cherry, which is then processed to become coffee beans. While the coffee plantations around the world may differ in their growing methods and processing techniques, they all share a passion for producing high-quality coffee that is enjoyed around the world.