cafea

Cafea is the beverage produced from roasted and ground coffee beans, typically prepared by pouring hot water over ground coffee. The word cafea is Romanian for coffee and is used for the drink as well as the plant. The coffee plant belongs to the genus Coffea, with two economically important species: Coffea arabica (arabica) and Coffea canephora (robusta). The seeds, or beans, are inside the ripe fruit, called a cherry, which is processed, dried, and roasted to develop flavor.

History: Coffee originated in Africa and spread via the Arabian Peninsula to Europe. By the 16th century coffeehouses had become social centers in the Ottoman world and beyond; European colonization in the following centuries expanded commercial cultivation to tropical regions around the world.

Processing and brewing: After harvesting, beans are processed by washing or drying. They are roasted to various degrees, from light to dark, shaping aroma, acidity, and body. Ground coffee is prepared by methods such as espresso, drip-filter, pour-over, or French press. Arabica tends to be sweeter and more nuanced; Robusta contributes stronger body and higher caffeine content.

Economy and culture: Coffee is one of the most traded commodities worldwide. Major producers include Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Ethiopia. Daily consumption patterns vary by country, with notable traditions such as Turkish, Italian espresso, and Nordic drip coffee. Moderate caffeine intake is generally regarded as safe for most adults; excessive consumption can cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals.