Did you know that the coffee bean is actually the seed of the cherry grown on the coffee tree?
The coffee tree or bush is grown in tropical climates, and can reach heights of 10-12 feet. The coffee tree is a type of evergreen with spear shaped shiny green leaves, white jasmine like flowers, and red cherries. It takes approximately 9 months for the cherries to become ripe. There are two main types of coffee trees, the Robusta tree and the Arabica tree.
The Robusta tree makes up 25% off the worlds coffee, it is a heartier, high yield tree, which grows best at lower elevations. The Robusta tree produces 2 to 3 pounds of coffee a year, with a bean that has a much harsher taste, and is considered a lower grade of coffee. The Robusta bean has about 2 percent of caffeine per weight.
The Arabica tree makes up the remaining 75% of the worlds coffee, it is more susceptible to disease, so it thrives in higher elevations of 3,000 to 6,500 feet. The Arabica tree only produces 1 to 1.5 pounds of coffee per year, and produces a bean with much more refined flavors. Arabica beans are considered a higher grade of coffee, with 10% of the beans considered specialty coffee. Arabica beans contain about 1 percent of caffeine per weight.
Coffee trees require a particular amount of sun, shade, and rain to flourish. As with any other botanical species, if the tree does not get the proper amount of sun, shade or rain, the coffee crop could be compromised. For instance, a plantation can have a very good crop of coffee with complex flavors; next cycle if there is an excess or shortage of rain the same plantation can yield a very bland crop. With this being the case, the coffee beans that are produced on a plantation can have a varied taste profile from year to year.
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