What's in the cup?

With the growing influence of Western culture, more Chinese people have started drinking coffee. However, few of these new Chinese coffee drinkers know the origins of coffee, where it comes from or how it is transformed from beans to coffee grinds.

Coffee drinkers may be interested in this basic guide to coffee provided by Sebastian Martin.

Drinking high quality coffee can be a culinary experience, akin to drinking fine wine — it can have a unique aroma and flavors like fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate and honey. Professional coffee tasters have very sensitive noses and tongues.

Coffee beans are actually the pit inside the red coffee cherry- fruit that is picked, processed, transported, and roasted before it is ready to be turned into cups of coffee to drink.

The best tasting coffee is always served fresh - only two to three weeks after roasting.

In terms of world coffee production, 60 percent comes from Latin America, 10 percent from Africa, and 30 percent from Asia.

Over 25 million farmers around the world make their living growing and selling coffee beans. Usually they are paid very little. Coffee traders and retailers make most of the profit.

Organic coffee is grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. It is better for the environment and better for your health as a coffee drinker.