May 17 2010
The Coffee Bean
Many people think that all coffee beans come from the same type of coffee plant; they don’t realize that there are many different varieties of coffee plant, each with their own particular taste. There are at least ten different varieties of coffee plants; however, the two most popular are the Coffea Arabica and the Canephora or Robusta. These two varieties are responsible for over 90% of the coffee brewed in the world.
Although the Arabica and the Robusta are the two most popular species grown, each of these have differing tastes depending on where they are grown, processed and roasted. The resulting cup of coffee is dependent on these factors with premium coffees being grown and processed under the best conditions.
The Arabica bean is the most popular coffee bean even though it has less caffeine than the Robusta. Arabica drinkers say that it is the more flavorful of the two. Arabica coffee beans come mainly from Latin America and Western areas of Africa. Within these countries there are different Arabica flavors created depending on the area where the Arabic bush is grown. For example, coffee beans from the Ethiopia area are known for their smoothness and floral after tastes while coffee from northern areas are slightly stronger than the Ethiopian versions.
Coffees that come from Latin America and Brazil tend to be bitterer, nuttier, and slightly richer than other coffees. One of the most popular coffees comes from Columbia and is a richer, bolder coffee than many of the other coffees. It is usually thicker and darker colored than others with a walnut aftertaste. These examples show how the Arabica bean can be many different tastes depending on where it is grown.
The Canephora bean is grown primarily in Asia and is more acidic than the Arabica bean. These coffees are typically grown on the island of Komodo and in Sumatra. Robusta coffees are stronger more acidic coffees that have an almost herbal finish.
The areas where the beans are grown play a major role in how the resulting coffee beans are going to taste. The amount of rain and sun are two of the factors as well as the acidity of the soil. Once the beans are grown the flavor of the coffee beans depends on the processing and roasting methods used.
There are various steps in the process that can alter the coffee, such as the infusion of different flavored oils to make gourmet flavored coffees. These are treasured by many people around the world for their distinct flavors and unique aromas that get their day started.
-Sharon Chapman
Also, visit Coffee Beans 101 for more on coffee bean types, roasting tips, and more!