Types of Coffee Bean Varieties and Introduction to Yirgacheffe Washed FTO Coffee

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Types of Coffee Beans - Yirgacheffe Washed FTO Coffee Sharing

Broadly speaking, there are three types of coffee beans in the world, but the most common ones we encounter are Arabica and Robusta.

The Three Main Coffee Varieties

The three main native varieties are Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. Arabica production ranks first, accounting for about 60-70% of the world's total coffee production. It has sub-varieties such as Bourbon and Typica. Robusta accounts for about 30-40% of the world's total coffee production. Liberica only accounts for 3% of the total and is mostly cultivated in the Asia-Pacific region.

Arabica

Also known as small-grained coffee beans, originating from Ethiopia. Arabica coffee trees mostly grow at altitudes between 1000-2000 meters; they are relatively cold-resistant and suitable for growing temperatures of 15-24°C. They require high humidity with annual rainfall of no less than 1500ml, and also have higher requirements for cultivation techniques. Arabica coffee trees belong to larger shrubs, with oval-shaped, dark green leaves, and the fruits are also oval-shaped, generally containing two slightly flat beans. The front is long oval-shaped with a narrow and curved crack in the middle, forming an S-shape, while the back of the bean is relatively flat and arc-shaped. The caffeine content is about 0.8%-1.5%.

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

Robusta

Also known as medium-grained coffee beans, originating from the Congo in Africa. Robusta coffee trees are mostly planted in lowlands at altitudes of 200-800 meters, preferring warm climates with temperatures between 24-29°C, and have lower requirements for rainfall. However, this variety relies on insects or wind for pollination, so the time from pollination to fruiting is 9-11 months, which is relatively longer than Arabica. The caffeine content is about 3.2%, much higher than Arabica beans.

Robusta (Latin name Coffee Robusta Linden) is one of the most important coffee tree varieties in the world. Discovered in the Congo in Africa, it is a variety resistant to leaf rust disease and has stronger disease resistance than Arabica. Robusta coffee beans are mainly used in espresso blends to increase richness and obtain rich oils. Although Robusta's flavor cannot be compared with Arabica, it has its own value. It is the main raw material for instant coffee, and some espresso coffees also blend a certain proportion of Robusta.

The main producing countries of Robusta beans include Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brazil.

Liberica

Also known as large-grained coffee beans, it has extremely strong vitality, but both flavor and leaf rust resistance are weak. The planting amount is less than 1%, and it has basically withdrawn from the commercial market, only preserved in scientific research.

New Product: Yirgacheffe Washed FTO

• Producer: DAMA COOP
• Origin: Gedeo, SNNPR, Ethiopia
• Processing: Washed, sun-dried
• Variety: Local heirloom
• Altitude: 1410-2000m
• Certification: Organic, Fair Trade

Introduction

From the Dama Cooperative, which has over 1900 members and is a member of the Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (YCFCU). This green bean has both Organic certification and Fair Trade certification.

Classic Yirgacheffe citrus direction, floral aroma, high sweetness, delicate and soft acidity, complex and layered flavor, rounded, and clean.

Knowledge Expansion

Liberica, like Robusta, is very resistant to pests and suitable for high-temperature and humid environments, but it has not been widely cultivated, mostly only planted in South Africa regions.

In Summary

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