Coffee Varieties

There are many special varieties, however, the beans of coffee are separated into 2 basic categories, ARABICA and ROBUSTA. In general, the ARABICA bean is considered to be better and more tasty, but more delicate as well. As far as the cultivation is concerned, ROBUSTA plants are more resistant in climate conditions, in higher temperatures and in parasites. A main difference between Arabica and Robusta is the conciseness in caffeine, which is higher in Robusta.

Cultivation conditions

Elevation

Arabica     900-2000 m

Robusta   200-300 m

Temperatures

Arabica       20-25 C

Robusta     24-26 C

WHICH ARE THE MAIN COFFEE PRODUCING COUNTRIES

BRAZIL

Brazil is the more important country that produces coffee having 30% of the global production. The country produces mainly Arabica while Santos is considered one of the best varieties.

Because of its great production there is a considerable differentiation of quality between varieties and areas. Brazil coffee is characterized by a fair body, mild sharpness, balanced aroma and a sweet taste that lasts.

VIETNAM

Vietnam is in  2nd position in the world trade, in terms of quantities.

Vietnam production increased very rapidly the last years and it is mostly known for the Robustas

COLOMBIA

It is the second country in production after Brazil. The main varieties are supremo and excelsior, where in supremo varieties there is a bigger grain. The coffee is characterized by a fair body, rich aroma and fair sharpness.

COSTA RICA

This country is the lead country in Central America in the coffee production. Costa Rica coffee is distinguishable because of its sharpness. The greater the elevation, the rougher the grain and the higher the quality. This coffee is characterized by its piquancy, its strong and rich taste that for many is avoided being very strong, while others prefer it for this exact reason.

KENYA

Kenya is known for the high quality of the Arabica it produces. Kenya AA is considered to be the best and usually the price of Kenya coffee is in the higher levels than the other coffees. The coffee is characterized by a very sweet taste, a pleasant body and strong aroma.

INDIA

India is known for its Robusta varieties, which are used broadly in blends and are among the most aromatic coffees in the world.

JAMAICA

Jamaica produces one of the gentlest coffees but in a very small quantity. BLUE MOUNTAIN is the most knwon variety, which is very expensive, but has soft, rich taste and aroma.

MEXICO

Mexico coffee is one of the most attractive in quality and completes the best varieties in the world as fas as sharpness in body and taste is concerned.

GUATEMALA

The ARABICA varieties of the country are cultivated mainly in the Central and Southern areas, usually categorizing coffee on the basis of cultivation elevation. Great elevation gives to the coffee strong sharpness, fair body and pleasant bitterness.

ETHIOPIA

The country where ARABICA coffee was born, produces varieties with exotic tast, strong sharpness, rich taste, very strong body and spicy aroma. The best variety is the HARRAR that is separated into Longberry and Shortberry depending on the size of the grain. Other varieties like KJIMMAH and SIDAMO that come close to MOKA characteristics are also known.

INDONESIA

The country is known for its JAVA variety, which has low sharpness, spicy odor, strong body and creamy taste. The country also produces ROBUSTA, but of low quality.

IVORY COAST

This small country, as well as other African countries, is known for its ROBUSTA varieties that are used in blends mainly for financial reasons having a neutral taste.