UNDERSTANDING COFFEE
The Origins of Coffee
Where does coffee come from? What is the history of coffee? And why do different coffees taste different?
The humble coffee bean is capable of truly amazing stuff. Starting off nestled in the centre of the cherries found on the coffee plant, the beans are a hidden treasure cherished by people all over the world. In fact, according to the British Coffee Association the UK on the whole drinks around 95 million cups of coffee per day! But despite this world-renowned love, people rarely stop to consider ‘what are the origins of the beans I’m drinking’ and ‘why do different coffees taste so different?’
At NESCAFÉ, we’ve put together a guide to tell you all about where coffee comes from, the fascinating history of coffee, the difference between beans such as Arabica coffee beans and Robusta coffee beans and the all-important roasting process.
Where does coffee come from?
If you’re wondering “where does coffee come from?” It’s important to know that it’s not from just one place. In fact, coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around “the coffee belt”, including locations such as Africa, Latin America and Asia. These areas have just the right combination of altitude, soil and weather, providing the perfect climate for growing the most delicious beans.
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African coffee
African coffee is thought to be some of the best in the world due to its wonderfully distinctive flavour. Traditionally African coffee boasts the following characteristics:.
- Syrupy
- Medium acidity
- Medium to dark roast
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Latin American coffee
Considered one of the coffee capitals of the world, coffee from Latin America makes up most of the blends found on supermarket shelves today. The flavour is universally enjoyed which is mostly attributed to its well-rounded taste. A few of the key characteristics Latin American coffee possesses are:.
- Nutty
- Low acidity
- Light or medium roast
Our NESCAFÉ GOLD BLEND Origins Alta Rica blend is Latin American coffee at its finest. Grown at high altitudes, the subtle fruity notes and caramel flavours make this coffee a wonderfully rounded blend that’s perfect for savouring.
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Asian coffee
Asia is home to some of the most unique coffee blends with bold, unique flavourings unlike any other. Typically, you can expect Asian coffee to be:
- Earthy
- Gentle acidity
- Dark roast
Not sure which region you want to send your taste buds off to? Explore our NESCAFÉ GOLD BLEND Origins range. With unique blends from coffee hotspots around the world including Colombia and Indonesia, you’re bound to find a blend that captivates your coffee tastes.
Discover more about the world of coffee
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Where Do Coffee Beans Come From?
Coffee beans are commonly grown in a location known as "the bean belt". Find out everything you need to know about where coffee beans come from here.
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Coffee Roasting Process
There's a lot more to the coffee roasting process than simply heating beans - find out about coffee roasting and the different methods in our guide.
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The History of Coffee
Starting in Ethiopia and moving its way across the globe, coffee has an extensive and interesting history that dates back as far as 800 AD.
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The History of Nescafé
NESCAFÉ is a brand that's been there for what seems like forever, but little people know the fascinating story of the delicious coffee.
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Coffee Facts
As one of the most consumed beverages in the world, it's only natural that there's a wealth of interesting coffee facts too!
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International Coffee Day
International coffee day occurs on the 1st October each year. Find out why and when it was set up and get some ideas for celebrating the day with NESCAFÉ.
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Inside the Coffee Roastery
A mug of coffee is full of fun, flavour, and culture and consumed by millions around the world, but what happens inside a coffee roastery and why? Learn more.
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What is Single Origin Coffee?
Single origin coffee simply describes coffee that has come from one particular source and has not been mixed with other coffees. Find out more here.
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Coffee Flavour Wheel
Ever heard of the coffee wheel and wondered how to use it? Knowing how to describe coffee like an expert is a powerful tool in the coffee world. Discover more.
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Different Types Of Coffee Beans
Coffee may taste and look the same, but there are 4 different coffee beans that they can be made from! Discover the different types of coffee beans here.
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Top 10 Coffee Producing Countries
Coffee is one of the world’s many treasures, but who are the top producers of coffee around the world and where is it grown?
Get to know your coffee beans
Another stop on the journey to discover where does coffee come from, is to learn about the beans responsible for creating the brews you know and love. It may surprise you to learn that coffee beans actually come from the fruit (called “cherries”) of the coffee plant. The cherries are edible but taste absolutely nothing like coffee, in fact, they possess a mild and slightly sweet flavouring – a far cry from the rich and flavoursome coffee beans inside.
There are over 120 varieties of coffee plants and each variety has its own distinct flavour. Most of the coffee we drink comes from either Arabica or Robusta coffee beans, or a blend of the two.
Why is coffee roasted?
Coffee roasting is the process of heating coffee beans to bring out the rich and aromatic flavour that we know and love. Fresh off the plant, coffee beans are actually green in colour and possess a grassy smell, then when they’re roasted, chemical changes occur as a result of the beans being brought to a high temperature very quickly. This change also causes them to turn into a deep brown colour with a wonderfully earthy smell. Once they’re roasted, they’re ready to be ground and brewed into your favourite blends.
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Light Roasts
A lightly roasted coffee possesses a milder and toasted grain taste, the body is light and there’s plenty of acidity.
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Medium Roasts
Medium roasted coffee has a stronger flavour, more body, less acidity and can be the most fruity and sweet amongst all roast types.
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Dark Roasts
A dark roast is the most intense and bitter and is far less acidic than other roast types. They can have a smoky or chocolatey sweet taste too.
