The Coffee Plant

Coffee is enjoyed by millions of people across the United States, plus many more millions throughout the globe. This drink is made from the coffee plant, which is one of the most valuable commodities traded around the world. The plants are grown in over 70 countries around the world, with the majority of trees growing throughout South America, Africa and Asia.

The coffee beans

The coffee plants produce beans, also called seeds, that are processed into the coffee beans at the store. Most coffee beans are from the Coffea arabica plant; however, the hardier Coffea canephora is growing in popularity. The seeds are picked when they are ripe, then processed and dried. Once dried, the seeds are then roasted to varying degrees and sold. Find several types of whole coffee beans and begin enjoying now.

Classification of the plant

Several different types of coffee bushes produce coffee beans, although many are not commercially available in large quantities. All coffee shrubs are classified under the family Rubiaceae, and they are considered evergreen plants. When left to grow on their own, they typically reach 15 feet or taller. They have white flowers and glossy green leaves, plus berries that produce the coffee beans.

Cultivating the plant

Coffee plants are typically grown in one of two ways; they can either grow from seedlings in a nursery, or from direct sowing methods. The traditional method is to drop 20 seeds into a hole and leave them to naturally eliminate each other. Coffee plants are quite susceptible to disease, especially Coffea arabica. More robust strains are growing in popularity; however, they do not have the same flavor quality as the arabica beans.

The coffee plant provides an energy boost for millions of people around the world. It is mainly grown throughout Africa, Asia and South America, and then exported after the roasting process is complete. The beans are then sold to distributors and consumers for their enjoyment.