The name "coffeeberry" can be quite confusing, primarily because it is used to describe two very different plant species. One is a native shrub found in western North America, and the other is the fruit of the commercial coffee plant itself. Unpacking this naming convention reveals stories of historical usage, visual resemblance, and a surprising botanical tale.
The California Coffeeberry (Frangula californica)
The most common use of the term "coffeeberry" refers to the native evergreen shrub Frangula californica, a member of the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). This plant is native to California and Southwestern Oregon. The name was given due to a visual and historical connection, not a botanical one.
The Seeds that Look Like Beans
The most straightforward reason for the name lies within the fruit itself. As the berries of the Frangula californica shrub mature, they change from green to red and finally to a dark purple or chocolate color. Inside these berries are hard seeds that bear a striking resemblance to coffee beans. This visual similarity was enough for early European settlers to adopt the common name.
The Failed Coffee Substitute
Another part of the story involves early pioneers who, upon noticing the resemblance, tried to use the dark, roasted seeds as a substitute for coffee. This attempt was largely unsuccessful, as the resulting brew was reported to be very bitter and did not contain caffeine. These early trials cemented the name in regional folklore, even though the plant is not related to the commercial coffee plant (Coffea species).
Historical and Medicinal Uses
While the pioneers were trying to make a caffeinated drink, Native American tribes had long recognized the California coffeeberry's medicinal properties. The bark and dried berries of a related species, Frangula purshiana, are the source of the strong laxative known as Cascara Sagrada. The berries themselves were also used for medicinal purposes, though caution was needed due to their potency.
The Commercial Coffee Berry (Coffea species)
In the world of commercial coffee, the term "coffee berry" can refer to the fruit, also known as a coffee cherry, that encases the two coffee beans we all know. This berry is a different fruit entirely, cultivated on plantations in tropical regions. For centuries, the pulpy fruit was largely discarded during processing. Today, however, its benefits have been recognized, leading to new uses for this part of the coffee plant.
Modern Uses of Coffee Fruit
- Antioxidant Supplements: The fruit pulp has been found to contain higher levels of antioxidants than the bean itself. Extracts are now sold as supplements, capitalizing on these health benefits.
- Skincare Products: Rich in polyphenols and other compounds, coffee fruit extract is used in skincare for anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cascara Tea: The dried skins of the coffee fruit are steeped in hot water to create a sweet, fruity tea called Cascara.
Comparing the Two "Coffeeberry" Plants
To help clarify the differences between the California coffeeberry and the commercial coffee fruit, here is a detailed comparison.
| Feature | California Coffeeberry (Frangula californica) | Commercial Coffee Fruit (Coffea species) |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Family | Buckthorn (Rhamnaceae) | Madder (Rubiaceae) |
| Location | Native to Western North America | Grown in tropical climates worldwide |
| Fruit Appearance | Small berries ripening from red to dark purple or black | Round, fleshy "cherries" ripening to red or yellow |
| Seeds | Resemble coffee beans but are bitter | Are the actual coffee beans we consume |
| Edibility/Uses | Berries and bark used medicinally (potent laxative); seeds not for coffee | Fruit pulp used for supplements, skincare, and tea |
| Caffeine Content | None | Fruit pulp is significantly lower than bean |
Why The Name Stuck for Both
The persistence of the name "coffeeberry" for both plants can be attributed to the simple, yet powerful, effect of a visual shortcut. The resemblance of the California native's seeds to coffee beans was a simple observation that led to a lasting name. Conversely, the fruit of the Coffea plant, being the protective shell around the coffee bean, naturally acquired the descriptive name "coffee berry" or "coffee cherry" over time. The recent rise in popularity of using the coffee fruit for supplements and cascara has given this term more prominence. Ultimately, both names arose independently but for similar, straightforward reasons.
Conclusion
The phrase "Why is it called coffeeberry?" leads down two separate but interesting paths. One takes us to the chaparrals of California, where the visual similarity of a native shrub's seeds inspired a name for a plant with medicinal, though not caffeinated, properties. The other path leads to the processing plants where commercial coffee beans are separated from their fruit, the coffee cherry, which is also commonly called the coffee berry. The key takeaway is to recognize the context. If you are discussing the native shrub, the name comes from a visual resemblance. If you are talking about commercial coffee, the name refers to the fruit containing the bean. This clarification helps prevent confusion and allows a deeper appreciation for both plants.
For more information on the native shrub, visit the California Native Plant Society.
