Three Main Varieties of Coffee Beans: Flavor Profile of Jamaican Blue Mountain Typica

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Introduction to the Three Major Coffee Varieties and Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

The Three Major Coffee Varieties

The three major native coffee varieties are Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica.

Arabica

Also known as small-grained coffee beans, Arabica originates from Ethiopia. Arabica coffee trees mostly grow at altitudes between 1,000-2,000 meters; they are relatively cold-resistant and thrive in suitable temperatures of 15-24°C. They require high humidity with annual rainfall of no less than 1,500 milliliters, while also demanding higher cultivation techniques. Arabica coffee trees are relatively large shrubs with oval, dark green leaves. The fruits are also oval, generally containing two slightly flattened beans. The front is oblong with a narrow, curved S-shaped center crack, while the back of the bean has a relatively smooth arc shape. The caffeine content is approximately 0.8%-1.5%.

Arabica beans are an important variety in commercial coffee, with a fruiting period within three years and high-quality aroma and acidity. The main producing regions of Arabica coffee beans are South America (excluding parts of Argentina and Brazil), Central America, Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, and other places, mainly East African countries), and Asia (parts of Indonesia, Yemen, India, and Papua New Guinea).

Robusta

Also known as medium-grained coffee beans, Robusta originates from the Congo in Africa. Robusta coffee trees are mostly planted in lowlands at altitudes of 200-800 meters. They prefer warm climates, requiring temperatures between 24-29°C, and do not have high requirements for rainfall. However, this variety relies on insects or wind for pollination, so it takes 9-11 months from pollination to fruiting, which is longer than Arabica. The caffeine content is approximately 3.2%, much higher than Arabica beans.

Liberica

Also known as large-grained coffee beans, Liberica has extremely strong vitality, but its flavor and leaf rust resistance are both weak. The cultivation volume is less than 1%, and it has basically withdrawn from the commercial market, existing only in scientific research. Therefore, the focus of our discussion today will be Arabica and Robusta.

Liberica, like Robusta, is very resistant to pests and suitable for high-temperature, humid environments, but it has not been widely cultivated. It is mostly grown in the South African region and is relatively popular among Northern Europeans. I've heard it has a medicinal-like invasive flavor. Liberica is not commonly found on the market. If you want to drink Liberica in Taiwan, you probably need to find raw beans and roast them yourself!

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

The coffee variety grown in Jamaica's Blue Mountains is Typica, a world-renowned excellent coffee variety. The unique geographical advantages are essential factors for achieving the balanced flavor of Blue Mountain coffee. As an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, the sea breeze and Blue Mountains together bring abundant rainfall and fertile land to this coffee-growing area. The volcanic rock soil and relatively low altitude give Blue Mountain coffee a mild and smooth flavor. To taste its best flavor, you need to use more coffee beans than other coffees. Its flavor is rich, balanced, full of fruitiness and acidity, satisfying people's various needs.

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