Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it is believed to have been first consumed in Ethiopia in the 9th century. Coffee plants are now cultivated in nearly 70 countries, primarily in the equatorial regions of the Americas, Southeast Asia, India, and Africa. The two most commonly grown are the highly regarded arabica, and the less sophisticated but stronger and more disease-resistant robusta.
Coffee beans are roasted varying degrees of darkness, which affects the coffee’s flavor. Lighter roasts tend to be more acidic and highlight the subtle flavors of the bean, while darker roasts are more intense and slightly bitter. After roasting, the beans are ground and brewed with hot water to produce coffee.
Coffee is a complex drink with a wide variety of flavors and aromas. The taste of coffee can be affected by the type of bean, the roast, the grind, and the brewing method. Coffee can be enjoyed black, or with milk, sugar, cream, or other flavorings.
Coffee is a stimulant, and it contains caffeine, a psychoactive drug that affects the central nervous system. Caffeine can have a number of effects on the body, including increasing alertness and energy levels, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. Coffee consumption has also been linked to a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and some types of cancer.