Coffee is a widely consumed beverage prepared from the roasted seeds—commonly referred to as beans—of the coffee plant. It is usually served hot but can also be served cold. A typical 7 fluid ounce (ca. 207 mL) cup of coffee contains 80–140 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the method of preparation. Coffee represents 71% of all the United States caffeine consumption followed by soft drinks and tea. Coffee, along with tea and water, is one of the most frequently-drunk beverages, its volume amounting to about a third that of tap water in North America and Europe.In 2003, coffee was the world's sixth largest agricultural export in terms of value, behind wheat, maize, soybeans, palm oil and sugar.

Beautiful dark green shrub or small tree. The white, fragrant, star-shaped flowers are clustered in the leaf axils. They resemble gardenias to which they are related. The edible fruits are small fleshy berries changing in color from green to yellow to red or crimson. Two greenish-gray seeds are covered with a thin membrane and are enclosed in a dry husk-like parchment. When only one seed develops it is known as a pea-berry and commands a higher price. The seeds can easily be dried, roasted and ground at home. These plants need a rich, moist acid soil and filtered light. These plants can be grown outdoors in southern Florida and California; otherwise, in greenhouses. Plants that are grown in pots should not become crowded, or else their leaves will turn yellow and fall off. VARIETIES: C. arabica (Arabian Coffee); C. robusta (Robusta Coffee); C. liberica (Liberian Coffee).