There are two main species of coffee plants, Arabica and Canephora (Robusta).
The Robusta is a species of coffee that was originally grown in Central and Western Africa and brought to the islands of Indonesia in the 17th century by the Dutch. The Dutch began using the more robust Robusta coffee trees in the Indonesian islands due their resistance to disease, ease of cultivation in lower altitudes and warmer climates. The islands have become one of the best producers of Robusta coffee beans in the world.
However, Vietnam is the largest producer of Robusta coffee beans. Vietnam produces more than Brazil, India and Indonesia and has become the world’s largest exporter of Robusta. One-third of the coffee produced in the world is Robusta. It is cheaper to produce and of lower quality than Arabica beans, making it better suited for filler in lower grade coffee blends. Robusta is usually included in instant coffee and espresso blends. There is two times more caffeine in Robusta than in Arabica coffee beans and it appeals to people seeking a stronger flavor of coffee and a more complex flavor than Arabica. The French coffee makers use Robusta blends as do the Dutch. 70 percent of French coffee comes from Robusta beans.
The Arabica coffee bean is the “cream of the crop” of premier coffee beans. Its origins date back to about 1000 BC in Ethiopia. The Oromos tribe of Ethiopia ate the bean for a stimulant. They crushed the bean and mixed it with fat to make a ping-pong ball size treat. Arabica got its name when the bean was transported from Ethiopia to Yemen and the lower Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabica coffee bean is considered to be mild in taste and a seductive evocation of sweetness, light and mountain air. Many refer to it as the Merlot of coffee and it is said to produce better coffee than the other major commercially grown coffee beans like Robusta.
Of premier coffee beans, Arabica also contains less caffeine than Robusta beans. Coffee made from Arabica beans has an intense, intricate aroma that can be reminiscent of flowers, chocolate, caramel, fruit, honey and/or toasted bread. Its caffeine content does not exceed 1.5 percent of its weight. Because of its superior quality and taste, Arabica sells for a higher price than its hardy, rougher cousin, the Robusta bean.
Now here’s a question for you–Which beans or blend of beans do you think Starbuck serves?
Copyright (c) 2011 Sandra Tiffany