Today coffee can be called one of the most popular drinks in the world. And, probably, almost all connoisseurs of this drink will agree with the statement that the most delicious and aromatic coffee is obtained from freshly ground beans. But how to choose the most delicious combinations among all types of coffee?
Among all the species of coffee plants in the world, there are only two main favourites: the Arabian coffee tree Coffea arabica and the Congo coffee tree Coffea canephora, commonly known to us as Arabica and Robusta. They differ not only in appearance, but also, most importantly, in taste and their characteristics.
Arabica comes from Ethiopia, but today it is grown in almost all tropical countries where there are high mountain regions. These coffee beans make approximately 70% of the world's amount of coffee. There are many reasons, but the main one is a very balanced taste with a slight characteristic sourness and a delicious palette of pleasant and sophisticated aromas. Arabica beans grow at an altitude of 600 - 2000 m above sea level, they are grown on slopes where the soil is moist enough and the higher the coffee tree grows, the fuller and richer the taste of its beans. Unfortunately, Arabica is quite capricious: it does not tolerate low and too high temperatures, it is susceptible to pest attacks and gives lower yields. Therefore, because of the complexity of cultivation and of the taste, this coffee is much more expensive than Robusta.
Robusta was discovered much later than Arabica, and it comes from Africa. Today, due to its unpretentiousness, Robusta has spread more widely throughout the tropical and even subtropical regions of the world, but it grows mainly in Brazil, Asian countries and, of course, at home - in Africa. Robusta can grow in plains and mountains, coffee trees can withstand heat and rain, they do not suffer from plant diseases as often and do not require the same maintenance as Arabica trees. Unlike Arabica, where caffeine is only 1.5%, Robusta contains much more of it - 2.7%. In its pure form, Robusta does not have a pronounced aroma, the drink is strong, bitter, and very invigorating, but as a result of skilful roasting of coffee beans, coffee can also acquire different flavours.
How to find the perfect coffee recipe?
There is no single opinion on which type of coffee is better or worse, because it depends on taste preferences. Moreover, it turned out that mixing two types of beans in different proportions and different degrees of roasting allows you to reveal the most subtle nuances of this drink. Therefore, coffee makers began to offer blends of both varieties of coffee beans, where the bitterness of Robusta complements the fruity notes of Arabica, or vice versa.
Of course, if you are a "beginner" in the intricacies of the choice of varieties and methods of roasting coffee, experts recommend starting with 100% Arabica without additions. This will allow you to determine which coffee aromas from which regions of the world you like mostly. Thereafter, you can gradually increase the Robusta content to find the perfect coffee blend for a variety of situations, such as relaxing when you want a soft drink with a delicious aroma, or for the morning hours, when you need an invigorating drink to start an active workday.
As an additional hint, one can mention the "standard" coffee combinations that are used all over the world:
Finding the perfect combinations of beans of different varieties and from different regions of the world is a time-consuming process. But as a result, you will be rewarded with the opportunity not only to skilfully prepare a delicious drink for yourself and those close to you, but also to constantly surprise your guests with excellent recipes for aromatic and refined coffee.
In our assortment you can find not only Arabica beans from different regions of the world, but also ready-made mixtures of beans selected by experts, which we recommend you try