Coffee's appearance changes drastically throughout its journey, from cherry to brewed beverage. Here's a breakdown:
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Coffee Cherries: These are the fruit that contain the coffee bean. In their early stage, they appear bright green. As they ripen, they transition through colors like pink, red, dark red, purple, and finally, black. They are often described as resembling grapes in size and shape.
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Coffee Beans (Unroasted): After being processed and dried, the coffee beans are typically a pale green or grayish-green color. They have a hard, dense texture.
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Coffee Beans (Roasted): The roasting process dramatically alters the appearance. Beans transform from green to shades of brown, depending on the roast level.
- Light Roast: Light brown, often with a matte finish.
- Medium Roast: Medium brown, slightly darker than light roast.
- Dark Roast: Dark brown, almost black, often with an oily surface.
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Ground Coffee: The appearance depends on the grind size and roast level. It will be a coarse or fine powder ranging in color from light brown to dark brown.
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Brewed Coffee: The final beverage can range in color from light brown to nearly black, depending on the roast level, brewing method, and strength. It is a liquid with a translucent quality when held to the light. It can also have a crema on top depending on the brewing method.
In summary, coffee can look very different depending on its stage of processing. From green cherries, to green beans, to roasted brown beans, to ground coffee, and finally to a brewed beverage, its appearance constantly evolves.
