Whole Coffee Bean

The coffee tree (Coffea arabica) is an evergreen shrub native to Ethiopia. It grows fragrant, star-shaped white flowers which then turn into small, round, red fruits. Each fruit contains two seeds, also called ‘beans’, that change dramatically in taste and caffeine content when roasted.

Used in Yemen since the 6th century to make stimulating drinks, coffee beans were first introduced to Europe in the early 17th century and became very popular thereafter. Now widespread in most kitchen cupboards around the globe, it is less known for its cosmetic use, although many homemade recipes praise its ability to give the skin a light, temporary tanning effect.