The Coffee Bean

The coffee bean is the seed found inside the coffee cherry, roasted and ground to brew coffee. It comes from the Coffea plant, native to Africa and parts of Asia.

According to popular legend, coffee's energizing effects were first discovered in the Horn of Africa, and its cultivation and drinking later spread through the Middle East, Europe, and eventually the Americas.

Today, most coffee is grown in the "Bean Belt" near the equator, including Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, where warm temperatures, moderate rainfall, and nutrient-rich soil suit the plant.

Coffee beans are brewed as a beverage worldwide, and also used in desserts, sauces, and marinades; in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines coffee is often brewed strong and aromatic, sometimes with cardamom or other spices.

Flavor ranges from notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts to fruity or floral notes, depending on variety and roasting: lighter roasts are brighter and more acidic, darker roasts deeper and more robust. Coffee pairs especially well with chocolate and dairy products like cream and milk, as in cappuccinos and lattes, and can also season beef and pork, baked goods, and vegetables like mushrooms.