The Coffee Tree

Jasmine scented flowers

Unripe cherries

Ripe cherries

Coffee belongs to the Runiaceae family of flowering plants and you may be surprised to learn that it’s the second largest traded commodity in the world, next to oil. Of the 800 or so species of the plant, only two produce the coffee beans that end up in your cup, Arabica and Robusta.

A Taste of the Tropics

Both Arabica and Robusta are grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Central and South American countries mainly grow Arabica as it requires a temperate climate and grows at an altitude of between 600 and 2200 metres. Robusta, on the other hand, flourishes in the lower plains of Africa and South Eastern Asia, between sea level and 800 meters, where the warm and humid climate allows the cherries to flourish.

Arabica beans are of higher quality and produce a finer coffee and accordingly are more expensive. Robusta is renowned for its higher caffeine content but lacks flavour and body when compared to Arabica. It is also often used to produce coffees to a cheaper price and is used extensively in the production of instant coffees. To guarantee the quality of your coffee, always use 100% Arabica beans.