Do You Really Know Coffee Beans?

Coffee, this captivating beverage, has conquered countless taste buds with its unique aroma and rich flavor. The "hero" behind it is none other than coffee beans. Though small, coffee beans contain a rich world. Today, let’s delve into the fascinating universe of coffee beans.

The story of coffee beans began in the highlands of Ethiopia, Africa. Legend has it that a shepherd noticed his goats becoming unusually energetic after eating red berries. Upon trying them, he discovered their unique energizing effect—these were the earliest coffee beans. Over time, coffee beans spread worldwide through Arab traders. By the 15th century, coffee was already popular in the Middle East. By the 17th century, it reached Europe, quickly becoming a sensation among nobles and intellectuals. Coffeehouses sprang up like mushrooms in major European cities, becoming hubs for socializing, academic discussions, and business.

Coffee beans are primarily divided into three varieties: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica.

Coffee beans are mainly divided into three varieties: Arabica, Robusta and Liberica.

• Arabica: It is the "noble" among coffee beans. The planting conditions are extremely harsh. It needs to be grown in mountains with high altitudes, cool climates and sufficient rainfall. Arabica coffee beans have a fresh and elegant flavor, rich and complex aroma, with a variety of flavors such as fruit, floral and chocolate, moderate acidity, and low caffeine content of about 1% - 1.5%. It is deeply loved by coffee lovers. Most boutique coffees use Arabica coffee beans.
• Robusta: Unlike Arabica, Robusta is less demanding in terms of growing environment and can thrive in areas with lower altitudes and hotter climates. Its beans are rounder and darker in color. Robusta coffee has a strong bitter taste and a high caffeine content, usually between 2% and 4%, and a strong aroma. It is often used to make espresso and instant coffee, adding a mellow taste and rich oils to coffee.
• Liberica: This is a relatively niche variety with a low yield, mainly grown in the Philippines and other places. Its berries are larger, and the coffee beans have a unique woody aroma and smoky flavor, with a thicker taste, but due to limited production, it is not common in the market.

The way coffee beans are processed has a crucial impact on their final flavor. The following are some common processing methods.

• Sun-dried method: This is the oldest and most traditional processing method. The picked coffee berries are directly laid out in the sun to dry, and they need to be turned frequently during the process to ensure even drying. Coffee beans that have been sun-dried usually have a strong fruity aroma and complex flavor, but they are also prone to produce off-flavors due to improper control of the drying process.
• Washed method: First, the skin and pulp of the coffee berries are removed, leaving only the coffee beans inside. Then the coffee beans are soaked in water, and the residual pulp and pectin are removed by microbial fermentation. Finally, they are washed and dried. Washed coffee beans have a cleaner and brighter taste, higher acidity, and a fresher aroma.
• Honey treatment: A processing method between sun-dried and washed. After removing the skin of the coffee berries, part of the pectin layer is retained, and different degrees of honey treatment are divided according to the amount of pectin retained. Honey-treated coffee beans have both the rich fruity aroma brought by the sun-dried method and the refreshing acidity of the washed method, with a balanced and unique taste.

From the origin of coffee beans to the types, and then to the processing methods, we see the complexity and exquisiteness behind a cup of coffee. Each coffee bean is like a treasure waiting to be opened, containing a unique flavor. Next time when you pick up a cup of coffee, you might as well taste it carefully and feel the wonderful performance of coffee beans in it. You are also welcome to share your favorite coffee bean varieties and the stories behind them in the comment area, and start this journey of coffee exploration together.