How are edible coffee beans made?

Edible coffee beans are actually not made from the beans themselves, but rather from the coffee cherry, the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean.

Here's a breakdown of how edible coffee beans are made:

1. Harvesting: The ripe coffee cherries are picked from the coffee plant.

2. Processing: There are several methods for processing the cherries, but the most common are:

* Dry Processing: The cherries are spread out in the sun to dry, which removes the moisture and allows the pulp to detach from the bean.

* Wet Processing: The cherries are pulped to remove the skin and flesh, then fermented to remove the mucilage layer surrounding the bean. After fermentation, the beans are washed and dried.

3. Roasting: The beans are roasted at high temperatures to develop their flavor and aroma. Roasting levels can vary from light to dark, affecting the final taste.

4. Production: The roasted beans are then ground and brewed into coffee, or used in other coffee products like chocolate bars, ice cream, or cakes.

Key Points:

* Not the Bean: Edible coffee beans aren't the hard, roasted beans we use to make coffee. Instead, they are the softer, sweeter fruit surrounding the bean.

* Sweet and Fruity: Edible coffee cherries have a sweet and slightly tart flavor, often described as similar to blueberry or cranberry.

* Different Varieties: The flavor and sweetness of edible coffee cherries can vary depending on the coffee variety and growing conditions.

So, while the bean is the source of our beloved coffee, it's the coffee cherry that offers a delicious and unique edible treat!