World Coffee Bean
types
Arabica
or high grown
mild, which also includes the Brazilian category of coffees, in sharp
contrast to Robusta, command the highest prices on the world's markets.
Cropped from bushes, which only flourish in certain well watered regions
of the tropics, at altitudes above 2,000 feet and usually between
4,000 - 6,000 feet, Arabica coffee represents the main source for
the roasters to produce quality and speciality coffees.
Robusta
- indigenous
to Africa, it grows at sea level, on trees rather than bushes. The
hardest and most resistant to disease, aptly named Robusta, not withstanding
its inferior fragrance and flavour, Robusta has major importance as
a blend ingredient.
Blends are carefully
composed with different types of beans whose flavours would be best
suited to a particular roast. Adding small percentages of Robusta
beans to the predominant Arabica blend will improve the espresso.
