Coffee was first consumed in the 9th century, when it was discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia.

Coffee berries, which contain the coffee bean, are produced by several species of small evergreen bush of the genus Coffee.

Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed, and dried.
The seeds are then roasted, undergoing several physical and chemical changes.
They are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavour.

The Roasted Beans ground and brewed to create coffee.

Coffee can be prepared and presented in different ways according to the way people like it.


Some like to buy the beans and grind them themselves.
Manual coffee grinders have been supplanted by electrically powered ones where the object is simply to get the job done; manual grinders are used more for their "traditional" appearance: they are made to look good, and are often more costly than the cheaper electric models.

Then there are the various types of machines etc for brewing the coffee:

A coffee filter is a coffee-brewing utensil, usually made of disposable paper, but recently stainless steel.
The stainless steel version is used to prepare filter coffee, the form of coffee common in India.
Filters are often used in a Percolator.

In a Percolator, boiling water is forced into a chamber above a filter by pressure created by boiling. The water then passes downwards through the grounds due to gravity, repeating the process until shut off by an internal timer

A cafeteria is a narrow cylindrical jug usually made of glass or clear plastic, equipped with a lid and a "plunger", made of metal or plastic, which fits tightly in the cylinder and which has a fine wire or nylon mesh acting as a filter.
Coffee and water are placed in the jug and allowed to brew and then the plunger is pushed down to trap the coffee grinds at the bottom of the jug.

Some machines use Pods of coffee that release into a machine, to be heated with water and then poured out.



Different types of coffee:

Espresso~  is a more concentrated coffee, served black in small cups.
Américano~a shot or two of espresso with hot water.
Latte~espresso with steamed milk, often served in a tall glass.
Cappuccino~equal parts of espresso and milk froth, usually served in a wide cup or mug.
Macchiato~adding a dollop of hot, foamed milk on top. 
Iced coffee~coddee served cold or iced.


Once roasted, coffee beans must be stored properly to preserve the fresh taste of the bean.
Ideal conditions are air-tight and cool.

For coffee accessories take a look at Coffee Supplies

For a history of Coffee go to: How we got Coffee