May 12 2011
Coffee is made from the fruit of the coffee tree, which is sometimes also referred to simply as "coffee" (from the Latin Coffea). These trees belong to the genus of evergreens and the madder family (Rubiaceae), most of them are rather stunted, up to four meters high. In nature, there are several dozen species of coffee tree, but not all of them produce those grains that can be used to make coffee.
Of interest to lovers of this fragrant invigorating drink are two types of coffee tree - Congolese (graying) and Arabian. Robusta coffee is made from the first type, and the Arabica variety is made from the second. The trees bloom with very delicate flowers, somewhat similar to jasmine flowers, the fruit resembles a large red berry, which is sometimes called a "cherry". Inside the fruit are yellow-gray or blue-green beans, of which there are usually two pieces. In everyday life, these beans are most often called "coffee beans".
Lesser known coffee trees include the Liberian tree (the Liberica coffee variety), which was discovered in 1843 in Liberia. This variety has a low taste and a very weak aroma. The high coffee tree (excelsa - coffee) is even less known than the Liberian one. Its height reaches 20 meters, and the coffee itself is not of serious economic importance. In addition, there are many hybrids that combine the various qualities of famous coffee trees.
The Arabian coffee tree, from which Arabica coffee is made, has long been familiar to Europeans. These trees are most often of low growth, they are grown on the slopes of mountains at an altitude of more than 900 meters above sea level. The fruits of the coffee tree ripen nine months after flowering, which occurs after the rainy season. About 5 kg of fruits can be harvested from one tree, of which only 1 kg is coffee beans. Compared to Robusta, Arabica beans are larger, flatter and longer, and they also have a lower percentage of caffeine.
The Maragogype coffee tree is the most famous type of Arabica Typica, which was first discovered in the Brazilian state of Bahia, in the Maragogype region. This tree produces the largest coffee beans in the world, which are even called elephantine. Coffee of this variety is valued for its beautiful color and pleasant taste, but, unfortunately, this variety has a low yield.
The Congolese coffee tree, from which the Robusta coffee variety is obtained, grows in places with high humidity at an average temperature of 22-27 degrees, most often on plains up to 700 m above sea level, it tolerates drought and waterlogging well. From the moment of ovary to fruit ripening, 10-11 months pass. Robusta beans, unlike Arabica, are smaller and rounder, they make very strong coffee, which is inferior to Arabica in taste. Therefore, this type of coffee is often used to make instant coffee or mixed with Arabica to soften its sharp taste.
Source : coffeeman.ua
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