Coffee Series - Part 1: The Coffee Plant

Welcome to Part 1 of my Steemit series about the world of coffee. This week, we will focus on the coffee plant itself, the foundation of our beloved morning coffee, without which most of us probably wouldn't get out of bed.

The coffee plant, also known as Coffea, is a small shrub or tree that grows in tropical regions of Africa, Asia and South America. Most coffee plants are grown at elevations of 600-1000 meters, as they prefer a pleasant and humid climate.

There are over 60 different species of Coffea, but the most commonly grown varieties are Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora, better known as Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their mild taste and aroma, while Robusta beans have a stronger taste and higher caffeine content. A little fun fact on the side, Robusta beans are more resistant to pests and diseases, which is why they are often used as a cheaper alternative to Arabica beans. But hey, who says cheap can't be good?

The coffee plant produces small, green fruits known as coffee cherries. Inside these cherries are the coffee beans, which are roasted, ground and brewed after harvesting to make our beloved drink. A coffee plant can live up to 20 years and produces about 1-1.5 kg of coffee cherries per year. To get one pound of coffee beans, about 2,000 coffee cherries are required.

Now comes the interesting part, did you know that a single coffee plant only bears fruit once a year? That's right! This means that farmers have to wait for a new harvest every year to produce their coffee. This is why it is so important for them to take care of their plants and make sure they have the best possible conditions.

The coffee plant is very demanding in terms of soil, light and water conditions. It also requires a lot of care and attention to achieve optimal yields. Coffee farmers work hard to create the best conditions for their plants and produce high-quality coffee. And we coffee lovers benefit by enjoying a cup of the delicious drink every morning.

In my next entries, I will delve deeper into the world of the coffee plant and look at interesting facts and developments. Until next time! And remember, no coffee plant, no coffee, so let's take care of them and enjoy the result.