The Misnomer of Coffee Beans: What Are They Really?

When you think of coffee, the term “coffee beans” likely comes to mind, evoking images of dark, aromatic seeds that power your morning brew. But here’s an interesting truth: coffee beans are not actually beans. The term is a misnomer, rooted in convenience and cultural evolution. So, what exactly are coffee beans, and why are they called beans in the first place? Let’s uncover the story behind the name, their true nature, and what they’re called in other parts of the world.

What Are Coffee Beans, Really?

Coffee beans are actually seeds—the seeds of the coffee cherry, a fruit that grows on coffee trees. When ripe, these cherries range from red to yellow, depending on the variety of the coffee plant. Each cherry typically contains two seeds, nestled together with their flat sides facing inward.

These seeds are processed, roasted, and eventually brewed into the beverage we adore. In botanical terms, coffee is classified as a drupe, which is a type of fruit with a fleshy exterior surrounding a single seed or multiple seeds, much like cherries, plums, or olives.

The term “bean” likely arose because of the visual similarity between coffee seeds and legumes like kidney or black beans. This label made its way into common usage due to simplicity and the lack of a better term.

• Trade Influence: Early coffee traders and merchants used the term for familiarity when introducing the product to new markets.

• Historical Associations: In ancient Middle Eastern and European markets, the term “bean” was already widely used for seeds, leading to the natural adoption of the term for coffee seeds.

Different cultures have their own terms for coffee and its seeds. Here are a few examples:

1. Spanish-Speaking Countries:

• The word grano de café (literally “coffee grain”) is often used.

2. Ethiopia (the birthplace of coffee):

• The seeds are called bunna, a term used for both coffee seeds and the drink itself.

3. Italy:

• Italians use the term chicchi di caffè, which translates to “coffee kernels.”

4. Indonesia:

• Known as biji kopi, meaning “coffee seeds.”

5. Arab World:

• The term qahwa primarily refers to the drink, but the seeds may simply be called habbat qahwa (coffee seeds).

It’s worth noting that the fruit of the coffee tree—the coffee cherry—is increasingly being used in various products. The outer flesh of the cherry, which is often discarded during processing, can be dried and brewed into a tea-like beverage called cascara. In some coffee-growing regions, this byproduct is cherished for its fruity, mildly caffeinated flavor.

Despite the linguistic inaccuracy, the term “coffee beans” has endured across centuries and continents, becoming a global standard. However, recognizing coffee’s true identity as a seed highlights its connection to the earth, the complexity of its growth, and its role in the environment.

Understanding coffee’s true nature fosters greater appreciation for its journey from plant to cup. It reminds us of the labor and care that goes into growing, harvesting, and processing coffee. Each seed represents the life of a coffee cherry—a fruit born of specific climates, altitudes, and traditions.

At Tamana Coffee, we celebrate the full story of the coffee seed. Sourced from regions like Ethiopia, Guatemala, Sumatra, and Colombia, our coffee reflects both nature’s artistry and the human hands that bring it to life.

So next time you savor your coffee, remember: it’s not just a bean—it’s the seed of a global tradition.