Understanding the Bean

Arabica vs. Robusta
There are two main varieties of coffee grown in the world... Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica Coffees are grown at high altitudes, in the rough terrain of mountain regions. Arabica coffee beans are known for their unique full-bodied flavor and wonderfully, rich aromas.

Factoring in the difficulty of growing and harvesting, cultivating these exquisite beans can be very labor intensive. Thus the arabicas are much more expensive to produce. A single arabica tree produces only 1-5 pounds per year.

Robusta Coffees, on the other hand, are grown in the plains. They are easy to grow, very sturdy and disease resistant. They produce abundantly and are easy to harvest. robusta coffees are plentiful and inexpensive. The only problem is that they taste too strong, they are almost undrinkable. You will find robusta beans on every supermarket shelf...blended with just enough arabica to make it somewhat palatable.

Rest assured, here at Brown & Jenkins we sell only arabica coffee... and we buy only the finest arabica beans. You will never find a robusta bean in our roasting facility.

More

History of Java
Understanding the Bean
Coffee Regions
Roasting: The Art
Grinding
When To Grind?
Brewing: Twelve Tips for Brewing A Perfect Cup of Coffee!
Storing Your Coffee
Decaf De-Mythed