There are just two species of coffee, Arabica and Robusta. Of the two, Arabica is the superior, hands down. Arabica coffee beans are native to high altitude, rain forest areas, where the coffee trees are shaded by larger trees, coming to maturation more slowly than their Robusta counterparts, grown at lower altitudes. Robusta coffee beans mature more quickly. This means that the Robusta coffee beans don’t have the chance to develop the complexity of flavor which is characteristic of the Arabica beans, leaving the Robusta bean in definite second place. So the question of which is the best coffee bean is a no-brainer. However, there are caveats attached to the relative quality between the two varieties.
Just as with fine wines, both the vintage and soil conditions determines the quality and complexity of the coffee bean. If your Arabica coffee comes from a region experiencing drought or other unfavorable growing conditions this year, it may not compare well with a Robusta coffee bean grown under optimal conditions. This means that you need to be familiar with the particular vintage of coffee bean. The product of an Arabica coffee tree in a particular year may make its taste no better than the product of a Robusta tree grown in the best condition. So how can you determine which is really the best coffee bean to put in your pot?
Making friends with your local coffee vendor’s staff can point you in the right direction. While Arabica coffee beans generally command the best price, due to their slow maturation and nuances of flavor, a knowledgeable coffee vendor can set you straight. Perhaps this year’s Hawaiian Kona crop enjoyed optimal conditions, while Jamaica’s Blue Mountain crop didn’t do as well. Both are renowned for their quality, but weather and soil conditions play an essential role in the final quality. In this example, the Jamaican Arabica may be more expensive than the Kona, but only because there is less available ? supply and demand, you know. In this scenario, the Kona is the best coffee bean, albeit less costly. After all, your goal is the best tasting brew. Let your vendor guide you in choosing the best coffee bean among the available Arabicas.
In the last year, commercial manufacturers have been promoting the ’100% Arabica’ as a sales tool, knowing that consumers are recognizing the superiority of the Arabica in terms of taste. Here, you have less assurance that the particular crop lives up to the name. However, generally speaking, you’re money ahead with the Arabica bean. If the package is not marked ’100% Arabica’, then it’s either Robusta or a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. The down side of the Robusta variety is that it tends to produce a more bitter taste, with less complexity.
Now we get to the question of organically grown beans versus those which use pesticides, to ensure a larger crop. The organic coffee farmer won’t realize the same yield as his non-organic growing competitor. The organically grown Arabica, given optimal growing conditions in that season, qualifies as among the best coffee bean you’ll find. The price will reflect its quality, but will absolutely be a satisfying choice.
This brings us back to your knowledgeable coffee vendor. These small coffee roasters often offer several varieties and blends in a free tasting sample to help you make your choice. You may also find small sample bags, designed to introduce you to particular flavors and vintages. Take advantage of these offers to find that elusive best coffee bean, the one that suits your taste.
Another way to educate yourself on coffee is online. Search out coffee websites with articles on coffee beans that keep you abreast of the best crops of this year’s growing season. With a little research, you’ll soon be an expert, well able to identify the best coffee bean of the year!
Once you’ve made your purchase, use good brewing practices. Start with a clean pot and cold water. Enjoy the rewards of your research!
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