Jun 08 2010
Whole Coffee
Whole coffee usually refers to coffee beans that have not been ground for use in a coffee maker. These beans come from the coffee bush and there are many different types of whole coffee available. The coffee bush is a plant with over 90 species, each producing its own unique coffee bean. These coffee beans in turn produce an array of coffee flavors.
Coffee beans are not true beans; they are in fact the seeds of the coffee plant. The berry of the coffee plant is where the bean is found and it is usually found in pairs. If there is only one coffee bean it is called a peaberry. The coffee bean is what makes the wonderful, hot beverage enjoyed around the world every morning. It is also where the caffeine is found that makes people want coffee.
Although there are over 90 species of coffee bush, there are two beans that make up the majority of the coffee in the world. Coffea Arabica and Coffea Robusta are the two most popular coffee beans and comprise nearly all of the coffee that is grown and roasted. Coffee Robusta supplies approximately twenty percent of all coffee while Coffee Arabica supplies seventy-five to eighty percent.
Coffee Beans on the Branch in Kauai, Hawaii
The Robusta bush is easier to grow and cultivate than the Arabica bush and typically costs less than the Arabica bean. It also has more caffeine than the Arabica bean. The Arabica bean is preferred by many people for its taste and aroma. Many coffees on the market are a blend of the two beans.
Although the Arabica and the Robusta bean are the two major players in the whole coffee bean world, there are other species that are being used for coffee production. These include Coffea congensism, Coffea excels, Coffea mogenti, Coffea stenophylla and others. These are specialty coffee beans that are not as readily available as the Arabic and the Robusta but for can be found with some research on the Internet. Each one has its own unique flavor. If these beans become sought out by consumers they will become more widely available.
Gourmet coffee beans are simply Arabica or Robusta beans that have been cultivated and grown in ideal circumstances that create a unique tasting bean that is superior to others in its class. Examples of these include Jamaica blue mountain beans, Kona beans, and volcanica beans. Volcanica beans, for example, are only grown at altitudes of 3,000 to 7,000 feet volcanic mountain slopes. The volcanic soil, cool climate and moisture create the perfect conditions for growing and the resulting bean is a delicacy.
Whole coffee beans are one of the best ways to insure freshness when brewing coffee. Consumers can purchase beans and grind them as needed rather than buying ground coffee that quickly loses its flavor. There are many varieties of coffee beans to choose from starting with Robusta beans and going up to the exclusive Kona bean. Consumers can research whole coffee beans and find the one that suits their budget and their taste.
-Sharon Chapman