Coffee Facts: The Bean Groups

Coffee: The Bean Groups

Of the more than 50 species of coffee plant, just two - arabica, indigenous to Ethiopia and robusta, first discovered in the Congo - make up the vast majority of the world's production.

Arabica

This is the most sought-after species and accounts for 70 per cent of the world's output. It is grown at approximately 1,000 - 2, 000 metres above sea level, but the higher the altitude, the better the quality. Those grown at upwards of 1,500 metres can be given labels such as Supreme, AA or Estate. By a freak force of nature, good-quality arabica beans contain about half the caffeine level of low-quality robusta beans. Arabica beans are fairly flat and green in colour with silver blue shades. This species is cultivated in Ethiopia, Jamaica, Brazil, Colombia and Central America.

Robusta

A hardy bean that grows at lower altitudes, and more often than not, at sea level, the robusta needs very little rainfall. This bean makes up 25 per cent of the world's coffee production and, though inferior to the arabica, is still an important part of the coffee industry, used predominantly in blends of ground or instant coffee. It is also very well suited to the espresso method of making coffee. The robusta is found in the highest quality espresso blends, as it helps in the development of the 'crema' on the top of espresso coffee. The bean is fairly small, tends to be oval in shape and before roasting, varies in colour from shades of yellow to light brown. Robusta beans are cultivated in parts of Brazil, West and Central Africa, and throughout South East Asia.

Pressogno

Pressogno coffee uses 100% arabica to create a luxurious coffee feeling. Robusta is added to some flavours to achieve a variety of tastes. The coffees are purchased from the most expert coffee trading companies in Italy and whether they are destined for coffee capsules or coffee pods, our bean coffee is of the highest quality and best provenance. Pressogno has created 5 exclusive coffee blends, each with its own specific aromatic profile. Why not find out your favourite profile at Espressorium.