KULR 8's Home Experts: Local News

Exploring Differences Amongst Coffee Beans

Tools
Copper Colander Coffee

By David Swalley for The Copper Colander

Story Updated: Feb 23, 2009



The particulars of coffee beans, such as where, when, why, and how have become as popular as wine. Is there really a difference among coffee beans as there are with grapes used for wine? You bet!

There are two varieties of coffee beans that are most widely cultivated and consumed. The first type of bean is Coffee Arabica which accounts for much of the specialty coffee consumed in America. Most high quality Arabica plants are cultivated between 4,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. The taste of the “beans,” which are actually seeds of the coffee cherry, is largely affected by the altitude, soil components and growing region. While Arabica beans provide a very rich, complex flavor, they are very difficult to cultivate due to the altitude requirements and their sensitivity to frost.

This brings us to our second variety of coffee, Coffee Conefora, commonly referred to as Robusta. The Robusta plant is much easier to cultivate in lower or higher altitudes and in harsher conditions. This is due to higher caffeine content in the Robusta plant. On average, Robusta beans have about twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. The caffeine functions as a growth stimulant to the plants themselves and a natural pesticide. This extended capacity to rapidly grow, however, does not do anything for the flavor of Robusta beans. They often produce a bitter, shallow cup when compared to its high-maintenance relative, the Arabica bean.

So, if you are looking for a quick cup of Joe to jumpstart your day, feel free to stick with the tin can of pre-ground go-juice. If you are, however, seeking something that provides a little more depth, that can maybe hold up without cream or sugar, come see The Copper Colander’s extensive selection of 100% Arabica coffees. The Copper Colander carries a variety of flavored and non-flavored varieties as well as decaffeinated beans from Neighbors Coffee and Montana Coffee Traders.

This information has been proudly provided by The Copper Colander. For more information, please visit their KULR Home Expert's Page.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Featured Professional
Dale L. Hudiburgh - Owner

Landscaping / Nursery

A-1 Landscaping & Nursery

We Plant by the Acre, So You Can Plant by the Yard!

Make your world a little greener with A-1 Landscaping & Nursery. Our creativity will enhance and bring harmony to your home and landscape, reducing the work required to care for and beautify your surroundings.

Trees add beauty to your yard. They create natural shade. The trees at A-1 Landscaping are quality, locally grown plants, acclimated to this region. These trees and plants have been “home grown” to raise the level of their success in your landscaping environment.

Shrubs add color and accents to your yard. They create natural screens which are less expensive than a man-made fence. Shrubs also attract feathered friends.

A-1 Landscaping & Nursery has offered total landscaping services in Yellowstone County since 1975 with twenty acres of plant materials including trees, shrubs, perennials and supersoil, along with underground sprinkler systems, landscape design and bobcat work. From the residential new home or a re-design to large commercial jobs A-1 Landscaping & Nursery has developed a reputation for high quality work that is guaranteed. Come into the nursery and see our vast resources and receive expert advice. We’re here to help you get the most out of your landscaping projects.

Aquatic Design with waterfalls, streams and ponds will bring your landscaping to life. With an experienced landscape designer on staff A-1 Landscaping & Nursery has added ‘state of the art’ design services to bring you to the envy of the neighborhood. Native Grasses allow a bit of Montana into your backyard to offer a natural approach to your setting.

Whether your style is contemporary, exotic, or natural the staff at A-1 Landscaping and Nursery will exceed your expectations. Call and make an appointment today, 406-656-1932 or visit us online at A-1landscaping.com for a complete description of our services. Our landscape designer will come to your home or business for a minimal hourly fee. Our designer will answer your questions, address problem areas, identify plant material and give suggestions for design ideas utilizing the plant materials discussed. On- site quick sketches are a starting point to capture your customized design ideas.