Coffee

Coffee is brewed from the roasted seeds of the coffee cherry, and nearly all of it comes from two species, arabica and robusta. Roasting turns the green seed brown and aromatic, and brewing pulls that flavor out with hot or cold water.

How to choose Coffee

  • Arabica or robusta. Arabica, about 57 percent of world output, tastes milder and more aromatic. Robusta tastes bolder, with bitter undertones, and turns up in espresso blends and instant coffee.
  • Roast level. Light roasts stay matte and taste brighter and more acidic, and they keep more of a coffee's own character. Dark roasts turn shiny with oil and pick up a pronounced bitterness.
  • Roast date. Beans need to rest 2 to 3 days after roasting, and they taste freshest brewed within about a week of the roast.
  • Whole bean or ground. Opened whole beans hold up 1 to 3 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. Ground coffee fades in 1 to 2 weeks.

About Coffee

Coffee comes from the seeds inside the fruit of the coffee tree, which grows in more than 40 countries. A cherry takes nearly a year to ripen after flowering, and one tree can carry blossoms and fruit at the same time. Arabica traces back to Ethiopia and grows well between about 2,000 and 6,000 feet. Robusta comes from the forests of central and western Africa and takes heat at lower altitudes.

Roasters heat green beans past 400°F, driving off nearly all their moisture, then cool them fast. At home, keep beans in an opaque, airtight container away from the oven and sunny windows, and grind only what you need just before brewing. Freezing is debated because beans pick up moisture and odors; if you freeze, take out about a week's worth at a time.

At a glance

Made from
Roasted seeds of the coffee cherry
Main types
Arabica and robusta; light, medium and dark roasts
Caffeine
Brewed coffee, 113 to 247 mg per 12 ounces
Once opened
Whole beans 1 to 3 weeks, airtight and dark

Coffee questions

Does dark roast coffee have more caffeine?

No. Light roasts actually carry slightly more caffeine, and the bold taste of a dark roast comes from roasting, not from extra caffeine. The species matters far more: robusta beans hold about 50 to 60 percent more caffeine than arabica. If you want a gentler cup, look for an all-arabica coffee rather than a lighter or darker roast.

What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?

Iced coffee is brewed hot in the usual way and then cooled. Cold brew steeps coarse grounds in room-temperature or cold water, often for about 12 hours, at about 1 part coffee to 4 or 5 parts water by weight. The result tastes smoother and less bitter, and it can be served over ice or warmed.

How much caffeine is in decaf coffee?

Decaf is not caffeine-free. An 8 ounce cup usually holds 2 to 15 milligrams of caffeine, according to FDA figures. FDA lists 113 to 247 milligrams in 12 ounces of regular brewed coffee, about 75 to 165 milligrams per 8 ounces, so decaf carries only a small fraction of the usual amount.

Sources: US Food and Drug Administration; National Coffee Association.

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