What type of cherry is often used to illustrate the intermediate stage between green and ripe coffee cherries?

The type of cherry that represents the intermediate stage between green and ripe coffee cherries is known as unripe cherry. Unripe cherries are in a state of development where they have not yet reached the full maturity and sweetness characteristic of ripe cherries, but they are no longer in the fully unripe green stage. This distinction is crucial for understanding the stages of coffee cherry maturation, as the flavors and quality of the coffee beans extracted from these cherries will vary significantly based on their ripeness.

In general, green cherries are completely unripe, lacking the necessary sugars and flavor profiles that contribute to quality coffee. Ripe cherries, on the other hand, are at their peak in terms of sweetness and flavor development. Brown cherries may refer to overripe or fermented cherries, which can also detract from the overall quality. The unripe cherry serves as a key point of reference in the coffee brewing and tasting process, showcasing what happens to the cherries as they transition to a state of readiness for harvesting.