Have you ever stopped to think about where your morning cup of coffee comes from? Most of us are familiar with the coffee bean, but have you heard of the coffee cherry? The coffee cherry is the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean, and it plays a crucial role in the production of coffee.
Coffee cherries are small, round, and usually bright red or yellow in color, resembling berries. They grow on coffee plants, which are typically found in tropical regions around the world. Coffee cherries are typically harvested by hand, and the cherries are often picked when the fruit is at its peak ripeness, which typically occurs between November and January.
Once the coffee cherries have been harvested, they are typically washed to remove any dirt or debris and sorted into different grades based on size and ripeness. The cherries are then processed to remove the outer layers of fruit, revealing the coffee beans inside. The beans are separated from the fruit using specialized equipment, including pulping machines and fermentation tanks.
One fascinating fact about coffee cherries is that they are actually edible! While coffee cherries are not typically consumed in the United States, they are a popular snack in some parts of the world. In countries like Ethiopia and Yemen, coffee cherries are often dried and used to make a tea-like beverage. The fruit is also used to make jams and jellies.
Coffee cherries play an essential role in the production of coffee, and they are a fascinating and versatile fruit that is worth learning more about. Next time you're enjoying your favorite cup of joe, take a moment to appreciate the efforts of the countless individuals who work hard to bring coffee cherries from the farm to your cup.
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