Category: Uncategorized

Coffee Beans Aren’t Really Beans – They’re Seeds!

If you’re a coffee lover, you probably talk about “coffee beans” all the time – how they’re roasted, ground, brewed, and savored. But here’s a little-known fact that might surprise you: coffee beans aren’t beans at all. They’re seeds!

So, What Exactly Is a Coffee Bean?

Coffee beans are the seeds of the fruit of the coffee plant. These fruits are called coffee cherries—small, round, and typically bright red or purple when ripe. Inside each cherry, you’ll usually find two seeds nestled together. These are what we call coffee beans. The term “bean” comes from their shape, which resembles true beans like kidney or pinto beans. But botanically speaking, they have nothing to do with legumes. They’re actually more like the pit of a peach or cherry—the seed of a stone fruit.

From Cherry to Cup

Once harvested, coffee cherries go through a processing method to remove the fruit and pulp, leaving behind the seeds.

This can be done in one of 3 ways: 

1. Dry Process. This is the natural method and is the oldest and most traditional way for the seeds to be removed from the fruit.
2. Washed Process. This method is commonly used for high quality Arabica beans. 
3. Semi-Washed. This method is a hybrid between the dry and washed processes.

Each method affects the flavor of the final coffee and the coffee’s environmental impact. The seeds are then dried and roasted to make the delicious brew we all love. But before roasting, they’re green in color and smell nothing like coffee!

What happens to the cherry after the coffee seed is removed?

Normally the discarded cherry is used as compost on the coffee farm. This returns the nutrients back into the soil. However, sometimes the cherry is used to make Cascara – a tea-like beverage with a unique mild and fruity flavor. The fleshy part of the cherry, known as the coffee pulp can be used in animal feed or as a substrate for growing certain types of mushrooms. 

Why does It Matter?

Understanding the journey of coffee, from fruit to seed to cup helps us appreciate just how remarkable this drink is. It also reminds us that coffee is an agricultural product, deeply connected to the soil, climate, and care of farmers around the world. Every cup you drink represents a long and fascinating journey.

If you plant a coffee bean, will it grow a coffee tree?

If you plant an unroasted coffee seed, it can sprout and grow into a coffee tree, although it takes a few years before it produces its own cherries. Roasted coffee beans, however, are essentially cooked and sadly won’t grow into anything.

Why Fair Trade and Organic Coffee Matter to Us

At Buzzbox Coffee, we believe coffee should do more than just taste good – it should do good. That’s why all of our coffee is 100% organic and fairly traded. These aren’t just labels to us, they reflect our long-standing commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and long-term relationships with farmers.

When it comes to helping coffee farmers, there are no quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. The reality is far more complex than simply “buying fair trade.”

At Buzzbox Coffee, we believe in taking a more hands-on, thoughtful approach to supporting farmers and their communities – one that goes beyond certifications and price tags to build long-term, sustainable change.

All of our coffee is 100% organic and comes from the top 1% grade Arabica beans. These beans are not only better in flavor and quality – they’re also more scarce, which naturally commands a higher price. All our beans are shade grown, giving a smoother and less acidic taste. By following a natural growth cycle, the beans have fuller and richer flavors.

We pay above the fair trade rate for our beans. But that’s not just about price – it’s about value. By sourcing only the highest quality coffee, we help incentivize farmers to focus on producing the best tasting coffee possible. And because we work directly with farmers, we’re able to provide feedback and build relationships that support continuous improvement in both quality and sustainability.

Why Organic Matters

Our commitment to organic coffee isn’t just about taste, it’s about responsibility.

Organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This benefits both people and the planet:

• Healthier for farmers – Reduces exposure to harmful chemicals
• Healthier for the environment – Protects soil, water, and local ecosystems
• Healthier for you – No chemical residues in your morning cup

By choosing organic, we support farming methods that work in harmony with nature, and that help preserve farmland for future generations.

Partnering with Burgess Ministries

We are proud to partner with Burgess Ministries to support the Bronner Burgess Memorial Fund, led by Rick and Sherri Burgess. Their mission is to help people grow in their faith, strengthen families, and serve communities in need.

Through this partnership, 10% of every Buzzbox Coffee purchase goes directly to the Bronner Burgess Memorial Fund, helping to fund evangelical ministries around the world. Every cup supports meaningful, life-changing ministry – one sip at a time.

No Easy Answers—Just Honest Effort

We know that helping farmers in the developing world is a complex, ongoing challenge. But we believe that intentional sourcing, direct relationships, and thoughtful partnerships are meaningful steps in the right direction.

We’re proud of the impact we’ve been able to make and we’re committed to continuing the hard work of learning, improving, and growing alongside the farmers who make our coffee possible.

And for us, it all starts with asking the right questions – just like the one that brought you here.