Arabica is the most famous and popular coffee variety in the world. Depending on the location of the harvest and how the coffee is processed, Arabica coffee can open with completely different flavors.
It was about the fifth or sixth century AD. No method has yet been invented for brewing and consuming ground and roasted coffee beans. But as historical studies show, already at that time the fruits of the coffee tree were chewed due to the manifestation of a stimulating effect.
After that, it took centuries for the consumption of roasted coffee beans to become known and popular.
In Ethiopia, the history of the coffee tree is almost identical to that described above, which has its roots in Yemen. The story of the discovery of Arabica says that a shepherd watched his herd of goats run excitedly across the field after they had eaten the fruits of the coffee tree. The shepherd took some grains and gave them to the village priest, who was experimenting with the fruits of the strange tree. After drinking Arabica coffee beans, the priest experienced their stimulating power and was better able to recite long prayers. The first mention of the use of coffee in Yemen comes as far back as the twelfth century.
A drink made from roasted coffee beans proved to be extremely popular with the Sufis (Sufi dances are a very spectacular performance and only a few viewers realize that the true meaning of this dance is the dancer’s conversation with God). And drinking coffee allowed them to dance their mystical dances for a very long time. In general, it must be said that during the period of the Kharezm kingdom, Sufis and dervishes were of great importance in the distribution of coffee. It is very remarkable that there is no mention of coffee in the famous book “Genghis Khan” by the writer V. Yan.
It took several more centuries for coffee to spread throughout Central Asia. Already in the 17th century, the drink became known not only to the states of Asia, but it was known and respected on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In general, the capture of European countries was mostly quick and painless. One might say – even with pleasure!
So “Arabica” is a coffee variety, named after the coffee trees from which it is harvested. The name is associated with the origin of plants. Regardless of which country this variety is now grown in, its ancestors once came from the countries of the Arab-African region, presumably from Ethiopia, a province called Kaffa. In this area, the drink was known as early as the 8th century AD, but in those days it was used as a medicine.
This variety accounts for about 75% of all coffee produced in the world. The main producing countries of Arabica coffee beans are the countries of Latin America, Brazil, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia. The remaining 25 percent of world coffee production comes from Robusta and Liberica varieties. Robusta is cultivated mainly in the countries of Southeast Asia and Central Africa. And vidaliberica coffee plants grow mainly on the West coast of Africa, and their share in the total volume of coffee produced in the world is insignificant.
Ethiopia is the birthplace of Arabica. The scientific name of the fruit plant is the Arabian coffee tree (Coffea arabica). The caffeine content in it is not as high as, for example, in Robusta beans, so Arabica has a milder taste and delicate aroma.
Arabica is grown all over the world. Most often, due to the peculiarities of the climate, flowers, green coffee fruits, and ripe ones can be observed on coffee trees at the same time. In this regard, machine harvesting becomes impossible, coffee berries are harvested by hand.
Depending on the place of cultivation, climatic conditions, the method of harvesting and processing the crop, many different types of Arabica stand out.
ARABIC VARIETIES
Arabica Yellow bourbon . Considered one of the best coffees. It got its name because of the color of ripe grains – it has a yellowish tint. Another feature of the fruits of this variety is a thin shell, due to which they are dried directly on the branches. This gives a completely unique taste. It is rich and balanced, without even a hint of sourness.
Arabica Jamaica Blue Mountain. An elite variety of Arabica. Has a very high cost. It is grown on the island of Jamaica, on the Blue Mountain, hence its name. It has a mild taste without bitterness, a bright aroma, which also has a hint of rum. It comes from the tradition of transporting this variety of grains in wooden rum barrels. The drink became famous as the favorite coffee of special agent James Bond. But most of all it is preferred in Japan. That is why up to 80% of the crop is exported to this country.
Arabica Nepal Everest Organic . One of the rarest types of coffee and is exclusive. A unique plantation was planted in 1994 in Nepal. Coffee trees grow in optimal conditions, thanks to which coffee acquires a special taste and aroma. It is slightly tart with a nutty flavor and a slight acidity. Enhances the enjoyment of the drink and a long pleasant aftertaste.
Arabica Bali. Grown on an island very popular among tourists. The coffee obtained there is of high quality, unsurpassed taste and specific aroma.
Kopi Luwak. Grown in Indonesia on the islands of Java and Sumatra. Caramel is felt in its taste, and chocolate notes slip through the aroma. This variety acquires unusual properties after being treated with civet in the stomach of local animals called luwak. Animals simply eat ripe fruits.
Moreover, they are able to choose only the highest quality, one ripeness, unripe. Grains are not digested, but come out naturally. Then they are collected, washed and dried. And then fried and presented to consumers. Fans of this variety argue that no other coffee variety can have such an exquisite taste.
Arabica Sumatra. Grown in the highlands on the island of the same name. It has a high strength and persistent aroma. The taste of Sumatra Arabica has astringency and a hint of bread. The fruits are processed in a dry way in the fresh air, after which they are manually freed from the shell.
Arabica Burundi . It is grown in Africa, on the territory of the small state of Burundi. It is characterized by a rich sour taste and rich aroma.
Arabica Kenya. Coffee trees of this variety grow in the highlands of Kilimanjaro, where climatic conditions are very favorable for this plant. This type of coffee belongs to the premium class, and it is one of the most popular in this category. Its delicious taste and aroma is highly regarded by coffee connoisseurs. Initial notes – citrus and berry sourness, wine aftertaste. Depending on the temperature of the drink, the taste may differ.
The taste is largely dependent on the roasting of the beans, so this coffee is sold green so that everyone can get the desired taste.
Brazil Santos. Grown on the territory of the coffee giant of the same name. It is subdivided into 8 subspecies. It has a small bean size, high caffeine content and a noticeable nutty flavor.
The Bourbon Santos subspecies is ½ of all coffee produced in Brazil. On the palate, you can feel a creamy shade, there is a slight sourness and a unique sweetish aroma. The aftertaste deserves special mention – especially delicate, nutty with chocolate notes. It is this variety that is considered the benchmark and standard of coffee taste.
Among the Brazilian Arabica varieties Minas, Parana, named after the place of growth, can also be mentioned.
The Rio variety is less well known. There is a sharpness in its taste, it slightly gives off iodine due to the abundance of the latter in the soil.
The taste of iodine can also be felt in a drink made from Victoria grains. Due to the medicinal taste, both varieties are not used in their pure form. But they give strength in mixtures.
Arabica Merido . Grown in Venezuela, in the area of the same name. The taste is sweetish, almost without astringency. It has a bright aroma.
Arabica Ethiopia Yorgachef . It is rightfully called the best variety of Ethiopian Arabica. It has a delicate aftertaste, after tasting it you can feel the wine aroma.
Arabica Ethiopia Harar . It is interesting in that it opens completely differently depending on the growing and storage conditions. It can give both fruity and spicy notes.
Mocha. The oldest type of coffee. Grows in the mountains in Yemen. Grains usually do not look very attractive: small, broken. But looks are deceiving. The taste of the drink allows us to attribute Mocha to the elite varieties – refined, with chocolate and wine notes. It is always in high demand.
Arabica Kona. Growing in Hawaii. This is an elite variety of coffee, one of the most popular among the premium class. The high cost does not stop fans of a mild taste with a subtle wine sourness and a memorable aroma.
Arabica Peru . Sold with the label “organic”, as it is grown in the Andean highlands without the use of any chemicals. It has an unobtrusive taste with fruity notes and a light aroma.
Arabica Zambia Lupels . One of the best varieties grown in Africa. Caramel, bitter orange and herbs can be clearly seen in the taste and aroma of the drink made from the grains of this variety.
