Kafe lakay 1.3 [The Two Major Species: Arabica and Robusta]

 The idea of a single "best" variety of coffee bean is a matter of personal taste. What one person loves, another might find too bitter or too acidic. However, in the world of coffee, certain varieties and their sub-types are highly regarded for their complex flavor profiles, rarity, and unique characteristics.

Here is a breakdown of the most common and celebrated coffee bean varieties:

The Two Major Species: Arabica and Robusta

Almost all coffee in the world comes from one of these two species.

• Arabica: This is widely considered the superior bean for its flavor. It accounts for about 60-70% of the world's coffee production.

  • Flavor: Arabica beans are known for their sweet, complex, and nuanced flavors, often with notes of fruit, flowers, chocolate, and nuts. They have a pleasant, bright acidity.

  • Growing Conditions: They are delicate plants that require high altitudes (typically over 2,000 feet), specific temperatures, and consistent rainfall.

  • Caffeine: They have a lower caffeine content than Robusta beans.

• Robusta: This bean is known for its hardiness and high caffeine content. It makes up the remaining 30-40% of the market.

  • Flavor: Robusta beans have a much stronger, bolder, and more bitter flavor, often described as having earthy, woody, or nutty notes. They lack the complexity of Arabica.

  • Growing Conditions: They are much more resilient and can grow at lower altitudes and in hotter climates, making them easier and cheaper to cultivate.

  • Caffeine: Robusta beans contain nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. They are often used in espresso blends to produce a thick, rich crema.

The Most Highly Regarded Arabica Sub-Varieties

Within the Arabica family, there are several sub-varieties prized by connoisseurs:

• Geisha (Gesha): This is one of the most celebrated and expensive coffee varieties in the world. Originally from Ethiopia, it is now famously grown in Panama. It is known for its incredibly delicate, complex, and aromatic flavor profile with notes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruits.

• Typica & Bourbon: These are two of the oldest and most genetically important varieties. Many other Arabica varieties are mutations or crosses of these two.

  • Typica is known for its clean, sweet, and balanced flavor.

  • Bourbon is often described as having a rich sweetness with notes of chocolate and fruit.

• Kona: Grown exclusively on the slopes of volcanoes in the Kona district of Hawaii, this is a premium Arabica coffee with a smooth, mild flavor and a buttery, nutty aroma.

• Jamaican Blue Mountain: Another highly sought-after and expensive variety. It's known for its incredibly smooth, mild, and well-balanced flavor with no bitterness, making it a favorite for many.

Ultimately, the "best" coffee bean is the one you enjoy most. Exploring single-origin coffees from different countries and varieties is the best way to find your perfect cup.