| The coffee beans we grind and use to brew coffee | | | | beans are similar to Brazilian, but have a lighter, |
| come from the Coffea evergreen bush, grown in over | | | | sharper, almost tangy flavor. Mexico is also a great |
| 50 countries around the globe. Each year, the Coffee | | | | producer of coffee beans. The beans here vary in |
| bush flowers and develops a cherry-like fruit, inside | | | | flavor and texture, from dry and light to thicker and |
| which are typically two small seeds or coffee beans. | | | | deeper in complexion and flavor. Although many of the |
| There are 10 different species of Coffea bush, the first | | | | beans grown in Latin America are of the Arabica |
| of which was discovered in Ethiopia some thousands | | | | variety, some regions grow Canephora bushes. The |
| of years ago. Once man discovered the coffee bean, | | | | seeds of the Coffea Canephora bush have fewer oils |
| its cultivation and use spread to the Middle East, | | | | -- and in lesser quantities -- than Arabica beans do. |
| Europe, Asia and beyond. Today, much of the coffee | | | | Less oil and higher acidity give coffees brewed from |
| we drink is made from beans that were grown in Latin | | | | these beans a slightly more bitter quality. Despite this, |
| America, Western Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines, | | | | Canephora is still a very popular coffee bean, used |
| and continental southeastern Asia. Two species of | | | | worldwide in cheap, canned coffee blends and |
| coffee bean -- Coffea Arabica and Canephora -- | | | | expensive espresso roasts. Canephora beans typically |
| constitute more than 90 percent of the coffee beans | | | | have almost 50% more caffeine than Arabica beans. |
| sold on the international market. Depending on the | | | | Canephora beans are more widely cultivated in Asia |
| region, species of coffee, roasting, and preparation, | | | | than Arabica. These varietals are known for having a |
| coffee beans can infuse a cup of coffee with a | | | | more acidic and bitter, although not unpleasant, flavor. |
| variety of flavors and textures. | | | | Most of the coffee beans we use come from island |
| The seeds of the Coffea Arabica bush are grown all | | | | nations in Asia, such as Sumatra and the island of |
| over the world and account for 75% of the coffee | | | | Komodo. Coffees brewed from these regional beans |
| beans we use to make our hot beverages. Arabica | | | | have a full texture and a slightly acrid, herbal flavor. |
| beans are very flavorful and contain less caffeine than | | | | Java and Kona varietals are especially popular and |
| Canephora beans. Coffea Arabica bushes are grown | | | | make a wonderful morning coffee due to their earthy, |
| principally in Western Africa and Latin America. | | | | almost stringent quality. |
| Different regions of these countries are known for | | | | Other factors that influence the taste of a coffee |
| producing a different type of coffee bean; that is, a | | | | bean or cup of coffee are roasting methods and final |
| coffee bean lending a different flavor when brewed. | | | | preparation. As a rule of thumb, the greater the |
| These different region types are called varietals. The | | | | amount of time spent roasting, the darker, more |
| climate, soil, weather, and particular plants and seeds | | | | full-bodied, and flavorful a coffee will be. Although |
| give regions their distinctive coffee bean tastes. In | | | | coffee beans lose essential oils -- and caffeine -- |
| Africa, Arabica bean cultivation can be found in | | | | during roasting, they change chemically during the |
| Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and the northern Muslim | | | | roasting process, and acquire new, different and |
| countries, among others. Ethiopian coffee beans have | | | | flavorful oils. The darkest roast is known as Italian, |
| an easy, smooth flavor and are delightfully accented | | | | which is preceded by French, Full City, City, American, |
| by floral notes. Kenyan coffees are also smooth, but a | | | | and other, lighter coffee roasts. French roasts are |
| bit tartier than Ethiopian beans. They have a pleasantly | | | | used to make espresso, because they have a high oil |
| fruity aftertaste, as does coffee brewed from | | | | content and low acidity. City roast is common in |
| Tanzanian beans. These beans are a lovely afternoon | | | | western United States, and American roast is |
| coffee, with a milder texture and flavor than its | | | | synonymous with eastern cities, including New York |
| northern counterparts. | | | | and Boston. These coffees are often produced using |
| A great variety of coffee bean flavors come from | | | | the drip method. Some people opt for a French press, |
| Latin America. Coffee beans grown in Brazil lend | | | | the use of which results in a stronger flavor and oily |
| coffee a slightly bitter cocoa flavor with rich nutty | | | | texture. Using an espresso machine to brew coffee |
| undertones. A favorite of many, Columbian coffee is | | | | also lends the coffee a strong flavor, as well as higher |
| very rich and bold, a great morning coffee, with a thick, | | | | caffeine content. |
| dark texture and a walnut finish. Costa Rican coffee | | | | |