Coffee Facts

Interesting coffee facts! Coffee beans are really seeds!

They are the seeds of coffee cherries which grow on trees in over 70 countries. Brazil is the largest producer followed by Columbia and Vietnam. The stimulating effects were first discovered in Yemen and Ethiopia and later spread first to Italy and then across Europe.

The two most common types are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is regarded as the higher quality. Robusta has a more bitter taste and has a lot more caffeine – up to 50% more than Arabica and is often used in espresso blends.

Robusta is grown mainly in Africa, Asia and Brazil while Arabica is found in East Africa, Asia, Arabia and South America.

Recent studies Recent studies are concluding that this beverage is extremely good for our health and can ameliorate or help prevent certain diseases and medical conditions including Alzheimer disease.

Many producers of beans including are now following Fair Trade production which ensures that the small farmers who produce it are fairly compensated, that some of the profits are invested into infrastructure in the community.

Starbucks is one of them!

Green beans are roasted before they are used and differing roasting techniques can change the flavour of the coffee in addition to the type of bean used.

Roast beans are labelled light, medium and dark roast with dark having the smoothest taste while lighter roasts contrary to popular belief have more caffeine than their darker cousins.

Some beans are decaffeinated and most agree that a process using water is the best rather than processes which use harsh chemicals. Most people agree that decaffeinated coffee does not taste as good as caffeinated.

Coffee sold in bags with one way valves stays the freshest and all coffee should be stored in airtight containers in a cool place as air, moisture and light cause the taste to be lost.

Many including myself believe that a conical burr coffee grinder conical burr coffee grinder is the best way to grind coffee.

Generally coffee is brewed by drip coffee makers, steeping as in a French Press or as an espresso blend using water pressure.
New trends in coffee facts include one cup coffee makers like the Keurig brand use which contain the coffee and filter in a small container which is very convenient and produces very good coffee fast and with no muss or fuss. K-Cups or pods

Coffee Facts to How to make coffee