Is Coffee A Cherry

Many are unaware that the exquisite cup of coffee they savour comes from a delectable fruit, the coffee cherry. Unravelling its layers, we find an outer skin called the exocarp, followed by a mesocarp- a thin layer of pulp and parenchyma which gives it that slimy texture. Finally, these processed and roasted seeds, also known as beans, combine to make you your favourite brew!

But, unlike other fruits and vegetables, coffee cherries are unique due to their cherry-shaped flesh. This is why it’s easy to mistake them for regular cherries. So the answer is yes! Coffee does come from cherry, but not the kind you can find in a supermarket near you.

The coffee bean grows in the pit of the fruit itself, with the fruit usually being in a purple or red colour. They are like the stone found in other fruits, except we see a genuine use for this kind of stone. At the same time, the coffee bean is technically a seed. 

What does the coffee cherry taste like?

Coffee cherries are known for their unique flavour, often likened to a blend of sweet fruits and berries with hints of hibiscus or tobacco. Some producers even claim that the taste palette contained within these small red gems can accurately predict future aromas in your cup of coffee.

You would expect them to be related if you knew it housed the coffee bean. The reason for this is simple; the coffee cherry differs from the bean inside. Therefore, you will often find it similar to other red fruit, such as a current or a cranberry.

That kind of dried taste lingers, as most coffee cherries tend to be dried out. So if you want an excellent way to enjoy the coffee cherry, we recommend trying one dried. It will surprise you that it’s related to the coffee bean.

Do coffee cherries have caffeine?

Yes, coffee cherries contain some caffeine – just less than the beans. Most of the caffeine disappears as they are dried out and processed. You may experience a light buzz or mild stimulation by eating enough coffee cherries due to their small caffeine content. It is important to note, though, that the caffeine content will vary depending on the origin of the coffee cherries. For example, the Arabica varieties have more caffeine than the Robusta types.


They will give you some caffeine, but you will need many cherries to feel any real effect, so we don’t recommend doing this. If you want a caffeine boost, drink coffee brewed from freshly ground beans!

This rare style of coffee is a special treat for those lucky enough to source it from the countries that cultivate and harvest it. To make this experience even more unique, the caffeine content in each cherry may vary substantially – adding an element of surprise!

How are coffee cherries processed?

The process used to deal with coffee cherries is pretty damn impressive and can be something you should certainly take the time to appreciate. The most common method is the dry processing method. This is the oldest form of coffee processing.
All freshly picked cherries are spread out on a large surface and left to dry in the sun. Constantly raked and turned over time and time again, this keeps them from spoiling. Then, they are covered to ensure they are no longer wet, leaving the cherries suitable for processing.
The other method, the wet method, involves removing the pulp from the coffee cherry after harvesting, ensuring that the bean can dry without the skin. Firstly they remove the skin from the bean, and then the beans are divided into categories depending on their weight, helping to get the right blend and balance.
When you do this, you have a range of coffee cherries from the bean. It’s an easy way to process the cherries and use them in other ways, whether as a snack or in different forms. It is determined by those who process them.

Conclusion:

Coffee cherries are a unique and special treat for those lucky enough to source them from the countries that cultivate and harvest them. With a sweet and fruity flavour, they contain some caffeine but not as much as the beans. They can be processed using either the dry or wet method – both of which have their benefits. Their distinct flavour and aroma can predict the future aromas of your cup of coffee. Coffee cherries offer a unique way to enjoy the bean in different forms. So go out and find yourself some coffee cherries today!

Paul Mason

coffee blogger

Interested to know more about Hot Coffee? Got a question about our content or perhaps want to make a suggestion? The feel free to contact us today.

We’ll be more than happy to take a look at any comments, requests or queries that you may have. Thanks for your time, and we hope that your next cup of coffee that you enjoy is the best one that you’ve had, every time! 

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