A Short Guide To The Types Of Coffee Beans
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Two Types Of Coffee Bean...
There are two main species of bean, arabica and robusta. Both thrive in equatorial regions. |
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Robusta Coffee Beans...
Robusta is grown at lower altitudes, 0 to 700 metres, and has a high yield per plant and high caffeine content (1.7 to 4.0%). It accounts for about 30% of world production. Robusta has a stronger flavour than arabica with a full body and a woody aftertaste which is useful in creating blends and especially useful in instant coffee.
Robusta is mainly grown in the following regions: -
- Western and Central Africa (Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Uganda, Angola, etc.)
- Malaysia (Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Java, etc.)
- Brazil
- India |
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Arabica Coffee Beans...
Arabica grows at higher altitudes, between 1000 to 2000 metres and, while it has a lower yield and less caffeine content (0.8 to 1.4%), it is widely recognised to be superior to robusta. Arabica accounts for about 70% of world production, although only about 10% of this yields "grand cru" beans. Arabica has a delicate acidic flavour, a refined aroma and a caramel aftertaste.
Arabica is mainly grown in the following regions: -
- Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica)
- South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Argentina)
- India
- Eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique)
- Papua New Guinea |
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Cheaper Blends Of Coffee...
Many cheaper blends of coffee have a higher proportion of lower quality robusta beans compared to arabica. However, some high quality blends use a small quantity of the very best robusta beans to give body and character to the blends. This is particularly true of espresso blends as it assists the forming of the crème. |
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