Coffee stubs

Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. The genus Coffea is native to tropical Africa (specifically having its origin in Ethiopia and Sudan) and Madagascar, the Comoros, Mauritius, and Réunion in the Indian Ocean. Coffee plants are now cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in the equatorial regions of the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa. Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed, and dried. Dried coffee seeds (referred to as "beans") are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor. Roasted beans are ground and then brewed with near-boiling water to produce the beverage known as coffee.

Coffee is darkly colored, bitter, slightly acidic and has a stimulating effect in humans, primarily due to its caffeine content. It is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways (e.g., espresso, French press, café latte). It is usually served hot, although iced coffee is a popular alternative. Clinical studies indicate that moderate coffee consumption is benign or mildly beneficial in healthy adults, with continuing research on whether long-term consumption reduces the risk of some diseases, although some of the long-term studies are of questionable credibility.

History

The earliest credible evidence of coffee-drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree appears in the middle of the 15th century in the Sufi monasteries of Yemen. By the 16th century, it had reached the rest of the Middle East, Persia, Turkey, and northern Africa. Coffee then spread to the Balkans, Italy, and to the rest of Europe, to Indonesia, and to the Americas.

Production

Coffee production involves several steps. First, the coffee beans must be harvested, a process that is often done by hand. The beans are then processed, which typically involves drying and removing the outer pulp and husk. After processing, the beans are roasted, a key step that influences the flavor of the coffee. The final step is grinding the beans and brewing the coffee.

Types of Coffee

There are several types of coffee, including:

• Espresso: A concentrated form of coffee served in small, strong shots and is the base for many other coffee drinks.
• Café latte: A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
• Cappuccino: Similar to a latte, but with a greater proportion of foamed milk to steamed milk.
• American coffee: Also known as regular coffee, it is made by brewing ground coffee beans with hot water.
• Iced coffee: Coffee that is brewed hot and then cooled down, often served over ice.

Health Effects

The health effects of coffee are controversial. Despite these controversies, moderate coffee consumption is not associated with any significant health risks for most people. In fact, it may offer some health benefits, including protection against Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease, including liver cancer.

Environmental Impact

Coffee cultivation can have significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, pesticide pollution, and habitat destruction. Sustainable coffee certifications, such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic, aim to address some of these issues.