Many people think of coffee as coming from beans, but that's only part of the story. Coffee actually comes from the seed of a fruit known as the coffee cherry. These cherries grow on coffee trees, which thrive in tropical climates around the world, particularly in regions like Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The coffee cherry is a small, round fruit that typically ripens to a bright red or deep purple color, depending on the variety. Inside each cherry, you'll usually find two seeds nestled together, which are what we commonly refer to as coffee beans. However, these seeds are technically not beans at all—they're the pits or stones of the fruit.

Once the cherries are harvested, the outer flesh is removed to reveal the seeds inside. These seeds are then cleaned, dried, and processed. Afterward, they undergo roasting, where they develop the rich flavors and aromas that make coffee so beloved. The roasting process also transforms the seeds from a pale green to the familiar brown color of coffee beans.

Though the journey from coffee cherry to your cup is a fascinating process, only 6% goes to your cup, and 94% of raw material is wasted.

The coffee cherry itself shouldn't be overlooked. The fruit is sweet and juicy, with a taste that some describe as a mix between a berry and a grape. In some cultures, the cherries are dried and used to make a tea known as "cascara," which is enjoyed for its fruity and slightly floral flavor.

So, the next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, remember that what you're drinking started as a seed inside a small, vibrant fruit—one that traveled a long way from tree to table.