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Foraging For Wild Harvested Arabica Coffee Beans If you're enjoying a cup of morning coffee, it's likely made from beans belonging to the Coffea arabica variety. This variety accounts for about 60% to 70% of the world's coffee market. Scientists led by UB have produced the highest quality reference genome of this plant species to date, uncovering details about its lineage over millennia as well as across continents. This work will help us understand how we might cultivate the plant to make it more resilient to climate change and diseases. Health Benefits It is surprising that people are so ignorant about the origins of coffee and its current conditions. Despite its popularity the coffee plant is an unproven crop, and only in the last century did major multinational corporations emerge and dominate the market. The species, Coffea arabica, has an array of chemical components that can have a variety of health benefits. The research into this topic is still in its early stages however the antioxidant compounds of the plant are believed to reduce certain chronic diseases. The hunt for coffee grown in wild is a great way to gain these health benefits. Coffea arabica is a tiny shrub or tree that grows in the wild. It produces two seeds per fruit. The coffee beans are encased in a fleshy, edible exterior of the drupes. The drupes are green when not ripe but turn purple to red once ready for harvest They are green when not ripe. The trees require regular pruning to help them establish and grow, and they must be pollinated by wild birds or other insects to ensure an effective harvest. The plants thrive in a tropical climate, where temperatures are typically between 15 and 24oC (59-75oF) all year. If it is higher or lower, and photosynthesis slows. The trees also require an adequate amount of rain, 1500 to 2500 mm annually, evenly distributed throughout the year. Insufficient rain can cause the plant to rust or die. In the event of drought, water must be supplied through irrigation. The majority of coffee grown commercially is grown from cultivars selected for specific traits, and these cultivars lack the genetic diversity of the species' natural population. This low genetic range makes the coffee plant vulnerable to a variety of pathogens and pests, and climate change is threatening the plant's supply as well. The protection of the genetic diversity of the wild species can make it easier to find ways around these threats, and also preserve the cultural, economic, and health benefits of this worldwide favorite. The caffeine in coffee boosts the metabolism of the body and can improve focus, mental alertness, and performance in many ways. It can aid in preventing the effects of dehydration, encourage weight loss, and lower the chance of developing cardiovascular diseases and certain kinds of cancer. The social aspect of coffee drinking can also have a positive effect on health. Economic Benefits Coffee isn't just a drink for millions of people in the world. It's a source of income, and economic prosperity. But, climate change has the potential to significantly raise the price of coffee, which could threaten the lives of those who depend on it. Researchers are trying to find ways to preserve the environment, while maintaining this vital crop. Coffea arabica is a tropical evergreen tree or tree produces a drupe, or fruit with two seeds that is the coffee bean we drink. The delicious, fleshy and sweet fruits of Coffea Arabicica are similar to those of other drupes, such as plums, cherries, and peaches. They possess male (staminate) and female (pistillate) features and are self-pollinating, however cross-pollination is typically required to produce high-quality coffee beans. Coffea arabica cultivation requires special conditions. The plants require a fertile well-drained soil, as well as moderate climates that range from warm to cool. They are sensitive to changes in temperature and need to be protected from frost, which could kill them. They are susceptible to disease and pests such as the leaf rust fungus and coffee beetle berry. They can cause massive reductions in production. The genetics of coffee plants have led to the creation and creation of new varieties and hybrids that are more resistant against climate change and other threats. In addition, scientists are looking for coffee cultivars that offer distinctive aromas and flavors to the drinkers. The coffee industry is also experimenting with sustainable farming methods that can minimize environmental impacts like the management of water and fertilization. These changes will benefit coffee farms as well as the communities who depend on them, and can also enhance the quality of the beans. By preserving the natural habitats in which these plants thrive, a lot of the problems that face coffee cultivation can be mitigated. The forests of southwest Ethiopia have become an increasingly important area to protect the genetic diversity of Coffea Arabicica which is a key component of our morning cup. Environmental Benefits Coffee is cultivated at high altitudes, and needs an environment with moderate temperature fluctuations. It also requires a lot of rain, which can be accomplished by spreading the rain throughout the year. The plants are frequently pruned to improve productivity and reduce the height of the plant, and to keep them healthy. Coffea arabica plants require up to nine months to go from flowering to harvesting, with the process taking place over the course of one season. Harvesting is usually performed by hand, to ensure only the ripe cherries are picked. This helps prevent overproduction, which can lead to disease or lower quality. Wild coffee is more genetically diverse than commercially grown varieties. These cultivars were created by selective breeding to attain specific traits. This means that it is better able to adapt to changing threats and conditions. Additionally, keeping this genetic diversity may help preserve the cultural and economic advantages of Arabica coffee in the near future. While wild coffee plants can be still found in the forests of southwest Ethiopia however, they are threatened by deforestation and other environmental threats. Conservation strategies are required to ensure the survival and sustainability of this species and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. One strategy is called Participatory Forest Management (PFM), where the forest is managed by local people who live in and around the forest. These communities are tasked with managing the land and its resources and have been granted rights for a long time to the forest. The PFM approach empowers these communities to manage their coffee plantations, as well as other forest resources. This helps to ensure the preservation of the natural ecosystem and the biodiversity that aids in the development and growth of the coffee tree. As the demand for gourmet coffee continues to rise making sure that these practices are integrated into all aspects of production is essential. This will not only improve the quality of coffee beans, but it will also safeguard the environment and help to improve the lives of those who depend on it for their livelihoods. By making conservation and sustainability an important concern for coffee farmers, they can continue to grow excellent coffee while contributing to a global sustainable economy. Cultural Benefits The coffee that we drink in the early morning comes from the fruit of a certain kind of plant. The fruit is similar to an apple, and it contains the coffee bean inside. These beans are protected by a layer of pulp, and the flavor profiles differ based on the method used to create the coffee. Certain methods are known to produce nutty notes and others give fruity and floral notes. The method of roasting can alter the overall taste which can change the intensity of the beverage's aroma and flavor. The first coffee seeds crossed the Red Sea from Yemen to the lower Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century. This journey marked the beginning of a global culture centered around this prized crop. Cultivated Arabica is genetically more restricted than its wild cousins, and this exposes it to environmental stressors like epidemics of disease or changes in the climate. The genetic diversity of the coffee plant in its natural habitat is essential for our ability to cultivate a sustainable and healthy crop. Whether in Ethiopia or elsewhere, growing and harvesting arabica beans from the wild is not just environmentally friendly, but it's also a social and cultural practice that has many benefits for local communities. Wild-harvested coffees are among the most sought-after available because they have distinct flavors that are difficult to replicate using cultivated plants. Additionally pure arabica coffee beans help keep the Coffea arabica gene pool arabica diverse and healthy It is vital to keep the gene pool diverse and healthy given that the vast majority of commercially grown coffee is made from crop cultivars — which are derived from just 10% of the genetic variation present in wild arabica. The preservation of this diversity will aid us in navigating new threats and effects of climate change that will impact the global coffee industry in the future. Although we've come quite a ways in the field of coffee production however, there's more work to be completed. The impact of the coffee industry on tropical ecosystems can be reduced by promoting and implementing eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture practices. This includes implementing agroforestry, intercropping, as well as soil management techniques that will mitigate the negative impact of coffee on ecosystems. It also includes promoting wild arabica and other varieties, and encouraging sustainable farming practices such as shade coffee to reduce the risk for diseases and pests.