Coffee Beans
Coffee beans are the seeds of a coffee plant. In their raw form, coffee beans are encased within a protective fruit that grows from the Coffea genus of plants, which is native to several tropical regions. Though most of us think of coffee as a beverage, coffee beans are the source of all brewed coffee. By carefully processing, roasting and brewing, coffee beans are transformed into the drink that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
Coffee plants naturally produce two types of beans, Arabica or Robusta beans. Arabica beans are more expensive but produce a smoother and slightly sweeter flavor in brewed coffee. Robusta beans are less expensive, but they produce a harsher flavor. Both types of beans can be used in espresso and brewed coffee, although Arabica beans are the most highly sought after and generally used in specialty coffee beverages.
The way in which coffee beans are processed is an important factor in determining the flavor and quality of the final brewed beverage. This can vary from country to country and from area to area within the same country, but it all ultimately comes down to either a wet or a dry process. In the wet process, the coffee beans are soaked in water before being dried, whereas with the dry process the beans are left out in the sun to dry directly.
Once the coffee beans have been processed, they are then roasted before being brewed. Roasting is a crucial step in the process that determines the final flavor of the coffee. It is during the roasting process that the beans take on the rich brown color that is associated with coffee beans. The roast itself can range from light to dark, depending on personal preference.
Finally, the beans must be brewed in order to make the delicious beverage we all know and love. The brewing method is also important, as different methods will produce a different flavor. The two most common methods of brewing are the French press and the drip method. Espresso and filter coffee makers can also be used.
Coffee beans are the base ingredient of nearly all beverages made from coffee. Without them, we would not be able to enjoy a hot cup of coffee each morning. The way in which they are processed and roasted, as well as the way in which they are brewed, all affect the final flavor of the beverage. Learning about these processes can help you to become a true connoisseur of coffee and increase your pleasure in the simple joy of a cup of coffee.
