koffie

Koffie is a beverage prepared from roasted and ground coffee beans, the seeds of the Coffea plant. The term is Dutch for coffee, and the drink is produced and consumed worldwide. Most preparations use beans from Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (robusta). Roasting develops aromas and flavors, while grinding increases surface area for extraction during brewing.

Koffie originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and spread to the Arabian Peninsula, where it was cultivated and traded widely by the 15th century. By the 16th century, koffiehouses became social centers in the Middle East and Europe. The drink's popularity grew with innovations in roasting and brewing, leading to modern methods such as espresso and drip coffee.

Coffee plants are grown in tropical regions around the equator, in a zone often called the bean belt. After harvest, the fruit surrounding the bean, called a cherry, is processed to remove mucilage. Beans are then dried or fermented and roasted to different levels, affecting flavor and aroma before grinding according to brewing method.

Brewing methods range from drip and pour-over to espresso, French press, and cold brew. Grind size, water temperature, and contact time all influence flavor. Caffeine content varies by bean and brewing method, but a typical cup contains about 80 to 120 milligrams. Flavor notes range from fruity and bright to chocolatey, nutty, or earthy, depending on origin and roast.

Economically, coffee is one of the world's most traded commodities, with major producers including Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Ethiopia. The crop supports rural livelihoods but faces challenges such as price volatility, climate change, and labor conditions. Efforts toward sustainability, fair trade, and responsible sourcing aim to improve producer welfare and minimize environmental impact.