What is Coffee? An Introduction to the World’s Favorite Beverage

April 26, 2024

Introduction

Coffee. It’s a word that sparks excitement for many, with its rich aroma and energising effects. But beyond being a beloved morning ritual or a social beverage, coffee has a fascinating history and a complex process that brings it from bean to cup.

If you’ve ever wondered, "What exactly is coffee?"—we’re here to answer that question and take you on a journey through the origins, production, and the science behind this incredible drink.

What is Coffee?

At its most basic, coffee is a beverage made from the seeds of the Coffea plant, commonly known as coffee beans. These seeds are found inside the fruit, often referred to as coffee cherries. The beans are harvested, processed, roasted, and brewed to create the diverse flavors and experiences that coffee enthusiasts around the world enjoy.

But coffee is so much more than just a plant seed. It is a global industry, a culture, and for many, an essential part of daily life. Coffee’s influence stretches far beyond its rich flavor—it connects people, drives economies, and fuels creativity. The simple act of drinking coffee can be an exploration into the world’s flavours, aromas, and traditions.

The Coffee (Coffea) Plant

Coffee comes from two main species of the Coffea plant: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (commonly known as Robusta). Each species has its own distinct characteristics:

Arabica: Known for its smooth, complex flavours, Arabica beans are prized for their delicate acidity and nuanced taste. These beans typically have a more rounded flavour profile, with hints of fruit, floral notes, and mild bitterness. Arabica coffee makes up around 60-70% of the world’s coffee production.
Robusta: Robusta beans are stronger and more bitter than Arabica, with higher caffeine content. They often make up the majority of instant coffee brands due to their reduced cost, but they are often used in espresso blends for their bold flavor and thicker body.

Varieties

In addition to these two primary species, there are many varietals (or varieties) of coffee within each species. These varietals are cultivated in different regions and environments, and they can display distinct flavour profiles. Some popular Arabica varietals include Geisha, Bourbon, Typica, and Caturra, each offering a unique taste experience. Varietals are often developed in response to specific growing conditions, and they can have a significant influence on the coffee’s overall flavour.

At myroast™, we invite customers to explore and search coffee by type, varietal, region, and even country. This allows you to discover coffees with flavour profiles that suit your taste preferences—whether you prefer a floral, bright Ethiopian coffee, a rich, full-bodied coffee from Colombia, or a smooth, sweet brew from Brazil.

World Coffee Research have catalogued Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties from across the world, with more than one hundred identified. Check out their interactive catalogue today!

Source: World Coffee Research, https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/

From Seed to Cup: A Brief Overview of the Coffee Process

The journey of coffee from seed to cup is intricate and involves several key steps:

Planting: Coffee is grown in tropical climates, primarily in countries located along the "coffee belt" between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. These regions, including parts of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, provide the ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.
Harvesting: Coffee cherries are typically hand-picked when they are ripe. Harvesting methods vary by region, with some areas relying on selective picking (choosing only the ripe cherries) and others using strip picking (harvesting all cherries at once, regardless of ripeness).
Processing: After harvesting, the beans are extracted from the cherries through processes like dry processing or wet processing. Dry processing involves sun-drying the cherries, while wet processing removes the pulp from the cherries before the beans are dried.
Roasting: Once processed and dried, the green coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures to bring out the flavors. The roasting process is where coffee’s signature aroma and taste develop, and it plays a crucial role in the final flavor profile of the coffee.
Brewing: The roasted beans are then ground and brewed to make coffee. Brewing methods—whether it’s espresso, French press, pour-over, or cold brew—each influence how the flavours are extracted from the coffee, adding another layer of complexity to the experience.

The Flavour Journey

The flavour of coffee is complex and varies widely depending on factors like the bean’s origin, the roast level, and the brewing method. Coffee flavors can range from sweet, fruity, and floral to nutty, chocolaty, and earthy. Some beans may have high acidity (like a bright citrus note), while others offer deep, rich flavours with low acidity.

At myroast™ , we celebrate this variety and complexity, offering a curated selection of coffees from independent Australian roasters. Whether you’re a fan of light roasts with delicate floral notes or prefer the bold, smoky flavours of a dark roast, there’s a coffee for every palate.

Coffee's Global Impact

Coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a global industry. It’s one of the most traded commodities in the world, supporting millions of livelihoods from coffee farmers to baristas. It’s a catalyst for community and connection, bringing people together in coffeehouses, offices, and homes around the world.

The coffee industry also plays an important role in economies, especially in developing countries where coffee production is a major source of income. For this reason, sustainable coffee practices, such as fair trade and direct trade, are gaining importance. By supporting independent roasters who value ethical sourcing, you are also ensuring that your coffee consumption is contributing to a positive impact on coffee farming communities.

Explore myroast™ and Make it Your Roast!

At myroast™, we’re passionate about creating a unique coffee experience that goes beyond the cup. From our curated selection of independent roasters to our commitment to sustainability and community engagement, every aspect of the myroast™ experience is designed to enhance your coffee journey.

Whether you’re looking to buy, learn, or connect, the myroast™ experience awaits. Cheers to exceptional coffee and the community that brings it to life!

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions: Access detailed FAQs for both customers and suppliers on our website.
Guides: Explore our guides, including the Bean Guide, Roast Guide, Grind Guide, and Brew Guides.
Customer Resources: Learn and appreciate the art and science of coffee, discover more at our pages, including Unlock the Secrets and Getting Started.