Coffee bean Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Coffee bean

☕

Add to dictionary

coffee bean

[ˈkɒfi biːn ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

drink preparation

A coffee bean is a seed of the coffee plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit often referred to as a cherry. Even though they are seeds, they are referred to as 'beans' because of their resemblance to true beans. The two most economically important varieties of coffee plant are the Arabica and the Robusta; 75–80% of the coffee produced worldwide is Arabica coffee.

Synonyms

coffee cherry, coffee pit, coffee seed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coffee bean	Use 'coffee bean' when referring to the roasted or unroasted seeds of the coffee plant, which are used to brew coffee. This term is common in everyday conversation and in the coffee industry. I prefer grinding my own coffee beans for a fresher taste. The coffee beans from Brazil have a distinct flavor.
coffee seed	Use 'coffee seed' interchangeably with 'coffee bean' when emphasizing the botanical aspect of the coffee plant. This term is more formal and scientific. Coffee seeds are typically planted to grow new coffee trees. Researchers are studying the properties of coffee seeds.
coffee cherry	Use 'coffee cherry' when referring to the fruit of the coffee plant that contains the coffee seeds. This term is often used in botany and agriculture. Farmers handpick ripe coffee cherries during the harvest season. The coffee cherry fruit is sweet and often discarded after processing.
coffee pit	Use 'coffee pit' to describe the inner part of the coffee cherry. This term is less common and can be confused with other pits like those in peaches or plums. Inside each coffee cherry, you'll find a coffee pit.

Examples of usage

The coffee beans are roasted before being ground and brewed into coffee.
She ground the coffee beans herself to make a fresh cup of coffee.
The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the kitchen.
I prefer to grind my own coffee beans for a better flavor.
The quality of the coffee beans determines the taste of the coffee.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Coffee originated in Ethiopia, where legend says a goat herder named Kaldi discovered it after noticing his goats became energetic after eating the beans.
Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century, leading to its spread across Europe and then worldwide.
The first coffee house opened in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in the 16th century, becoming a hub for social interaction and intellectual discussion.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, coffee is a symbol of hospitality, where serving coffee to guests is a way to welcome them and make them feel at home.
The coffee break phenomenon began during World War II, allowing workers a moment to relax and bond over their love of coffee.
Different cultures have unique coffee traditions, such as Turkish coffee, known for its strong flavor and method of preparation involving boiling finely ground coffee.

Science

Coffee beans contain important compounds called antioxidants, which help protect our bodies from damage caused by harmful molecules.
The caffeine in coffee beans acts as a stimulant, affecting our brain's neurotransmitters and helping to improve focus and energy levels.
Studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption might be linked to a lower risk of certain diseases, including Parkinson's and Type 2 diabetes.

Economics

Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world, second only to oil, with millions of people relying on its production for their livelihoods.
The coffee industry contributes significantly to the economies of many countries, particularly in regions like South America, where countries like Brazil and Colombia lead in coffee exports.
Fairtrade coffee initiatives aim to ensure that coffee farmers receive a fair price for their beans, promoting sustainability and better living conditions.

Art and Literature

Coffee has inspired various works of art and literature; authors like Honoré de Balzac and Goethe wrote about their love for the drink and how it fueled their creativity.
In the world of visual arts, coffee has been used as a medium for painting, creating unique designs and patterns on canvas.
Poets and writers often romanticize coffee culture, capturing the essence of leisurely coffee breaks as moments of reflection and conversation.

Origin of 'coffee bean'

The history of coffee beans dates back to the 10th century in the ancient coffee forests of Ethiopia. Legend says that a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the coffee beans after noticing the energizing effect they had on his goats. The beans were later cultivated in Arabia and the Middle East, where the drink gained popularity. Coffee beans eventually made their way to Europe and the Americas, becoming one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world.