Given there are many different types of coffee brands and grades what sets these black beans apart?
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Legend has it that coffee was discovered when a goat herder in Ethiopia noticed his animals were more rambunctious and frisky after eating the berries and leaves of a small shrub after testing it out for himself, the goat herder felt more energized and revitalised and thus the fascination with coffee began.
Considered to be one of the most soothing types of beverage, its popularity has grown exponentially since its discovery a thousand years ago, mainly because it is a beverage that appeals to people of all ages, especially to those who require an energy boost. Coffee is also one of the most common produces of many different countries available in many different varieties, with variations in terms of quality, taste, flavour and of course price.
Given there are many different types of coffee brands and grades what sets these black beans apart?
Well basically, it’ s the difference between a pedigree and mongrel. Among the trade, coffee is divided into three categories:“ high-grown mild” known commercially as Speciality“ Brazilian” known as Premium and“ Robusta” Regular.
High-grown mild coffees demand the highest price and are those of superior quality. They grow at an altitude of over 2,000 feet and mostly between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. High-grown milds are picked by hand only when ripe and processed with care and attention to detail.
“ Brazilian,” as a trade term, refers to lower-grade coffees, and not necessarily to all coffees produced in Brazil. There are many wonderful quality coffees originating in Brazil, but as a trade term,“ Brazilian,” represents lower quality coffees grown at lower altitudes on vast plantations and mass harvested.
Speciality coffee is coffee grown under near-perfect conditions, processed very carefully and roasted in small batches to find the ideal flavour profile. There are 75 species of coffee although its two main types that are cultivated, Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica species alone has over 160 varieties, some of the most well-known are Typica, Bourbon, Acaia, Aatui, Caturra, Gesha. Blended or individual speciality coffee is meant to be savoured within a few weeks of roasting and is generally the most expensive coffee. Any dedicated specialty roaster will provide all the details of the farm, the bean varietal( or varietals if it’ s a blend, as well as the percentages) and the cupping or tasting notes.
To be considered Specialty Coffee, the green coffee beans that have been processed must have no more than five full defects in 300 grams of coffee. A defect is classified as; a broken, chipped, insect damaged or a water damaged bean.
Premium Coffee, the next grade, is allowed no more than eight full defects in 300 grams will often be classed solely as Arabica beans. It is highly unlikely that the varietals will be known.
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Regular Coffee also known as Exchange is usually made out of the lower quality and cheaply available Robusta beans. Robusta beans have a quicker cycle of production and are thus available cheaper and more readily than Arabica. Exchange coffee will not be able to supply detailed tasting notes but rather will state a generic descriptor for the roast profile, e. g. espresso style roast, medium smooth mellow roast, and so on.