Where Coffee Comes From

Many people drink coffee in the morning, but few know where it comes from. Coffee grows on a green plant with shiny leaves. The plant likes warm weather near the middle of the world. People say the first coffee plants grew long ago in Ethiopia, in Africa.

The plant grows small fruits called cherries. The cherries start green and slowly turn bright red. Inside each red cherry there are two little seeds. People pick the ripe cherries by hand and take out the seeds, which we call coffee beans.

Next, the green beans dry in the sun for many days. Then people roast them with heat until they turn dark brown and smell wonderful. Finally, someone grinds the beans and adds hot water. After a long trip from the farm, the coffee is ready to drink.