Coffee is one of the most refreshing drinks discovered by humans.It has a deep rejuvenating effect which makes up for a cheerful personality.

This drink was supposedly first discovered in Ethiopia by a goatherd called Kaldi.He noticed his goats behaving in a manner very different from the usual.When he found the object of this change, he tasted it and found himself to be having the same kind of effect.This was the discovery of the first coffee bean.

Coffee is an evergreen shrub which survives and thrives in such places where there is no high wind or frost and there is a relatively higher percentage of humidity.The distinctive characteristics of various types of coffee beans may depend on the local environment where they are cultivated, the processing methods and also the changes brought out in its genetic structure.It shares a sharp similarity with wine which also shows signs of regional variation.

There are two main species of coffee – Coffee Arabica and the Coffee Robusta.Even though coffee was first found in Ethiopia it got its real identity in Yemen, which was a part of the Arabian Peninsula. Hence this variety was named as C.Arabica.It was originally planted in the higher mountain reaches of Yemen and highlands of Ethiopia.This species is supposed to be better than the other commercially produced varieties.It has a superior flavor and aroma which is quite different from the other types.C.Arabica contains lesser caffeine content as compared to the others.

The tree of this type grows up to 9 to 12 m height.It producers white flowers which then convert into bright red berries which contain two coffee seeds. This category of coffee has its sub-varieties too.Mocha or java varieties of coffee are sub-species of the original C.Arabica.Then there are also Typica and Bourbon which also constitute the same botanical family.They are of the older category and are often grown in the shade.

Then there is another popular variety of coffee which is called C.Robusta.The true botanical name of this plant species is Coffea Canephora but it is more popularly known as C.Robusta.This has been derived due to the robust nature of the tree.The coffee tree is short and robust and grows up to a height of 10 meters with a shallow root system.The fruits of this tree are rounded and smaller in size than Coffee Arabica.It can survive in warm temperatures up to 85 degree Fahrenheit.

C.Robusta has a taste and flavor quite different from its Arabic cousin.It is much more bitter, acidic and has a higher content of caffeine.It is more for commercial use rather than domestic use.It is prominently grown in West and Central Africa, South-East Asia and in some parts of Brazil.This type of coffee represents about 30% of the world’s market.The Indonesian Kopi Luwak is one of the most popular sub-species of the Robusta.

There are also other coffee varieties which are in use the world over.Each variety has its own distinctive taste and aroma and they have also been named on the regions that they have been developed in.But even though there are different brands and several species, yet the essence of all is to provide an immeasurable amount of refreshment and relaxation to the user.Coffee is an addiction and many a famous people can vouch for that.

Author Bio: For more information on Coffee Arabica and Coffee Robusta please visit our website.

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: types of coffee, coffee varieties, sub-types of coffee, Ethiopian variety of coffee, Italian coffee