Coffee is an evergreen tree (shrub) native to northern Africa. Coffee trees are self-pollinating and produce fruit called “cherries” that ripen from highly fragrant flowers to green to yellow and then to glossy red when mature.
All about the Bean
![coffee plant Showing coffee plant](https://www.melitta.com/portal/pics/MUSA/Bean_to_Cup/All-about-the-bean/1_plant_section_image.jpg)
Plant
![coffee plant Showing coffee beans](https://www.melitta.com/portal/pics/MUSA/Bean_to_Cup/All-about-the-bean/2_characteristics_section_image.jpg)
Characteristics
In addition to caffeine, which also influences the coffee’s flavor, coffee beans contain a few other things: Carbohydrates, acids, oils, water, minerals, trace elements and about 800 flavoring substances (approx. 0.1%).
![coffee plant Showing coffee plant with beans](https://www.melitta.com/portal/pics/MUSA/Bean_to_Cup/All-about-the-bean/3_climate_section_image.jpg)
Climate
Coffee does not grow everywhere in the world, as it requires special climatic conditions that are only found in tropical and equatorial countries.
![coffee plantation Showing coffee plantation](https://www.melitta.com/portal/pics/MUSA/Bean_to_Cup/All-about-the-bean/4_region_section_image.jpg)
Regions
Central and South America produce far more coffee than any other growing region. Coffees from Latin America are celebrated for their great balance, medium body and clean finish.