Arabica coffee, Coffea arabica

Arabica coffee, scientifically known as Coffea arabica, is the most popular coffee species globally, accounting for approximately 60% of worldwide coffee production. Here are some key facts about it:

Origin and Cultivation:

Native Region: Arabica coffee originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and Yemen.

Growing Conditions: It thrives in high altitudes (typically between 2,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level), with consistent rainfall (around 40-59 inches annually), and stable temperatures (ideally 59-75°F or 15-24°C). It prefers light shade, often grown as an understory shrub.

Delicate Plant: Arabica plants are more delicate and susceptible to diseases and pests compared to other coffee species, requiring careful cultivation.

Maturity: An Arabica coffee plant takes about seven years to fully mature, but can produce economic yields for 30-40 years, and some even up to 100 years.

Yield: One Arabica coffee plant produces about one to two pounds of beans per year.

Harvesting: The coffee cherries on an Arabica plant don't ripen simultaneously, so they are often hand-picked individually when perfectly ripe to ensure the highest quality.

Global Production: Major Arabica-producing countries include Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Honduras, and Peru.

Characteristics of the Plant and Bean:

Self-Pollinating: Unlike many other plants, Arabica coffee is self-pollinating, which helps maintain consistent genetic traits and quality across generations.

Chromosomes: Arabica coffee is unique in having 44 chromosomes, double that of most other coffee species (which typically have 22). This higher number of chromosomes is believed to contribute to its more complex and subtle flavor profiles.

The "Bean": What we call a "coffee bean" is actually the seed of a fruit called a coffee cherry. Each cherry typically contains two seeds.

Appearance: Arabica beans are oval-shaped with a distinctive S-shaped groove in the middle. Unroasted (green) beans are typically greenish to greenish-blue.

Flowers: The plant produces small, white, highly fragrant flowers that resemble jasmine.

Flavor and Caffeine:

Flavor Profile: Arabica is renowned for its smooth, sweet, and complex flavor. It often features notes of chocolate, sugar, nuts, and fruits (like berries or citrus), with a pleasant acidity. The specific flavor notes can vary greatly depending on the region and processing methods.

Caffeine Content: Arabica has a lower caffeine content compared to Robusta beans, typically ranging from 0.8% to 1.5% caffeine by dry weight. This lower caffeine contributes to its smoother taste and less bitter profile.

Coffea canephora

Comparison to Robusta:

Arabica is generally considered superior in taste and aroma to Robusta (Coffea canephora), which tends to be stronger, harsher, more bitter, and has a higher caffeine content. Robusta is often used in instant coffee and espresso blends for its crema and bold flavor.

These facts highlight why Arabica coffee is so widely beloved and constitutes the majority of specialty coffee available worldwide.

Arabica coffee, Carissa carandas

It's helpful to break down the information on Arabica coffee and Carissa carandas separately, as they are very different subjects. Here's a comprehensive overview:

Origin and History:

Arabica coffee originated in the highlands of Ethiopia.

It is believed to be the first cultivated species of coffee.

Its name comes from its spread to Arabia, where it was first widely cultivated.

Characteristics:

Arabica beans are known for their smoother, sweeter, and more complex flavor profiles.

They typically have notes of chocolate, fruit, berries, and floral aromas.

Arabica has a lower caffeine content compared to Robusta coffee.

Arabica plants prefer higher altitudes, typically between 2,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level.

These plants are more delicate and require specific growing conditions, making them more challenging and expensive to cultivate.

Arabica coffee plants contain 44 chromosomes.

Arabica coffee plants are self pollinating.

Global Significance:

Arabica accounts for approximately 60% of the world's coffee production.

It is the dominant species used in specialty and gourmet coffees.

Major Arabica-producing regions include:

Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, etc.)

East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, etc.)

Parts of Asia.

Varieties:

There are numerous Arabica varieties, each with unique characteristics, including:

Typica

Bourbon

Caturra

Geisha.

Flavor profile differences from Robusta coffee:

Arabica has higher levels of lipids and sugars than Robusta. This contributes to the sweeter smoother flavor.

Arabica has lower levels of caffeine, and chlorogenic acids, contributing to less bitter flavor.

Cultivation:

Arabica plants take several years to mature.

The coffee "cherries" are typically hand-picked.

Carissa carandas (Karanda):

Overview:

Carissa carandas is a flowering shrub in the Apocynaceae family.

It is native to India, Nepal, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

It is also known as Karanda, Christ's thorn, or Bengal currant.

Characteristics:

The plant produces small, berry-like fruits that are edible.

The fruits are initially white or pinkish, turning dark red or purple when ripe.

They have a tart, slightly acidic taste.

The plant is thorny, which provides a natural defense.

Uses:

The fruits are used to make jams, jellies, preserves, and pickles.

They are also used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits.

The plant is sometimes used as a hedge or for erosion control.

Nutritional Value:

Karanda fruits are a source of vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants.

They are also believed to have digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cultivation:

Carissa carandas is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil and climate conditions.

It is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.