Coffee

Coffee is a widely consumed beverage prepared from the roasted seeds, or beans, of the coffee plant.

Preparation

Beans are grown in tropical regions, harvested, roasted and ground, then brewed with hot water. Popular forms include espresso, filter coffee and instant coffee.

Effects and culture

Coffee contains caffeine, a mild stimulant that increases alertness. It is one of the most traded commodities in the world and central to social life in many cultures, including South Indian filter coffee.

Frequently asked questions

What is coffee made from?

Roasted and ground beans of the coffee plant.

Why does coffee keep you awake?

It contains caffeine, a natural stimulant.