What is coffee? It is not only some black or brown beans which are sometimes crushed to prepare a hot beverage. Coffee represents several things such as: culture, comfort, relief, pleasure or consolation, among other feelings and facts. There are some different kinds of coffee but all come from a tree.

The best coffee is always produced in places with warm climate and with rich soil. So, there are many countries around the world that have all the conditions to be good coffee producers.

The most well-known varieties are Robusta and Arabica. Robusta type is sold cheaper because it can be harvested up to 5 times a year. On the other hand, Arabica can be harvested only once a year, so its production is kept and then sold as a precious gift that is expensive and rare.

Nowadays, there are about 50 countries that produce coffee. All of them have the climate and soil characteristics to offer good coffee to the world, but their productions are different. Some of them run along marvelous coast and their soils are the consequence of many volcanoes' eruptions. These countries are privileged places because they have the opportunity of harvesting the best coffee of the world.

The most important coffee producers are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Mexico, India, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras and Uganda. Thus, coffee can be found in America, Asia and Africa.

How does this delicious cup of coffee reach your table? It is a long process that begins when coffee berries are picked and the beans are removed from them to be dried (caramelization). During this process, the beans change color and they get the fantastic flavor that everybody knows.

At present, we enjoy a cup of coffee without thinking of its huge background. It was first used for religious ceremonies by different people in Asia and Africa because it replaced wine where alcoholic beverages were forbidden. On the contrary, other religions have forbidden coffee in order to avoid its unhealthy use.

Coffee can be consumed in different ways and to make the perfect cup of coffee is not difficult. In addition, instant coffee is also available for people who do not have enough time to grind their own coffee beans or to use the electric coffee machines.

Remember that it is not only the coffee machine the one that prepares your coffee. You need to use the perfect proportion of water and coffee. Water should be heated to just off boil. Of course, the most important thing before starting the whole process is to get the best variety or coffee blend.

It is said that coffee contains some compounds that may alter human body chemistry. These compounds may be toxic only if consumed in large quantities. It can be also stimulating, so it is recommended not to take it in the evening in order to have a good rest. Despite that, coffee has had a romance with all sorts of people for more than one thousand years. This energetic beverage has its fans and its detractors but everyone knows that it has been involved in human history and it has accompanied people in wars, festivals, private parties etc. It is impossible not to try it at least once!