What is the Most Widespread Type of Coffee?
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is also one of the most valuable export commodities. Coffee swept its way across the globe centuries ago. Since then, it has become a staple part of many people’s morning routine.
We know that coffee is a very popular drink. However, which type of coffee do people, across the world, love the most? We can quickly and easily answer this question by figuring out which kind of coffee is the most widespread.
So, what is the most widespread type of coffee?
Arabica is the most widespread coffee across the planet. It accounts for 75% of all coffee production throughout the world. Coffee drinkers around the world love it and enjoy it on a daily basis.
History & Origins of the Arabica Coffee Plant:
Arabica comes from the plant, Coffea Arabica. This plant originated in the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia. It was first exported in the 7th century. Once it arrived in Arabia, the scholars started brewing it into the beverage that we now know as coffee.
What does the Arabica coffee plant look like?
The Arabica coffee plant is a small, shrubby plant. The coffee beans are found inside the berries of the plant. They are basically the seeds inside the berries. Each of the berries holds two coffee beans inside of it.
The plants don’t produce the berries until they are seven years old, so you have to be patient if you want to grow coffee beans.
The Growing & Harvesting Process of the Arabica Coffee Plant:
The Coffea Arabica grows is in a subtropical climate and does not fair well in harsh weather conditions. It is also susceptible to both pests and fungus. Growing Arabica beans is not an easy task.
Once the berries turn a deep red/purple color you know they are ready to be harvested. If you want the best quality coffee beans, you need to harvest the berries by hand.
Just like wine, it is important that you harvest the berries when they are ready. If you harvest too soon, they will produce low-quality coffee. This makes the harvesting process slow and tedious. However, the end product makes all of the hard work and effort worth it.
What are the most commonly found varieties of the Arabica coffee plant?
There are over 80 different variations of the Arabica coffee plant. However, there are a few that are more popular than others when it comes to which ones are used for coffee around the world. A lot of this is based on which varieties are able to grow in the popular coffee regions around the world. The two most common varieties are:
Typica:
The Typica coffee plant is the most popular variety that is used of all of the Arabica varieties. It originates from Ethiopia and was the first variety to be classified as Coffee Arabica. It is a high-quality coffee plant that makes excellent coffee. While it is extremely popular, it has low production so is harder to find and enjoy.
Bourboun:
The Bourboun coffee plant is another very popular choice when it comes to the Arabica varieties. It originated on the island of Bourbon, which is now known as the island of Reunion. While it produces more than the Typica variety (20 to 30% more), it is still a lower production plant. This is another high-quality variety that produces excellent quality coffee. However, like the Typica plant, it is also difficult to find and enjoy due to its low production.
Some other varieties include the Gesha coffee plant, the Mundo Novo coffee plant, and the Caturra coffee plant.
What does Arabica coffee taste like?
While the taste depends on the location and roasting process, in general Arabica coffee is on the sweeter side. Both the bitterness and acidity are mild. These factors contribute to why the Arabica coffee bean is such a popular choice among coffee brands.
How does Arabica compare to the other types of coffee?
You may find it interesting to know that Arabica contains less caffeine than other types of coffee. However, it contains more fat and sugar than they do. Which is probably why so many people like it.
While the taste profile depends on many factors such as the climate it is grown in, the specific roast, and brewing process. There are over 80 different kinds of Arabica coffee, each one unique in taste.
However, overall Arabica coffee is on the sweeter side of the coffee bean spectrum. Also, the bitterness and acidity of this coffee is mild. Most of the coffee you buy from the grocery store is made with Arabica beans.
Final Thoughts:
Arabica coffee may be difficult to grow and harvest, but it is worth the effort. This coffee tastes sweet and delicious. It can be roasted and brewed in many different ways to get the perfect coffee for you personal taste.
There is a reason that this is the most widespread type of coffee in the world. It is a high-quality and delicious kind of coffee. The Arabica coffee bean is also very profitable to sell. If you have a favorite coffee blend from the store, odds are it is from Arabica beans.
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