Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds of berries from the Coffea plant. The plant was exported from Africa to countries around the world and coffee plants are now cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in the equatorial regions of the Americas, Southeast Asia, India and Africa.
Coffee is slightly acidic and can have a stimulating effect on humans because of its caffeine content. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways like espresso, French press, cafe latte, etc. It is usually served hot, although iced coffee is also served.
Processing of Coffee
Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed and dried. Dried coffee seeds, which is referred to as beans are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavour. Roasted beans are ground and brewed with near boiling water to produce coffee as a beverage.
Types of Coffee
There are basically two types of coffee consumed most commonly worldwide - Arabica and Robusta. Although there are numerous varieties of coffee plants, Arabica and Robusta are the most important from a commercial standpoint.
•Arabica Coffee: Arabica coffees have a delicate flavour and balanced aroma coupled with a sharp and sweet taste.
•Robusta Coffee: Robusta coffees have twice the level of caffeine compared to Arabicas. Robusta coffees have a very strong taste, a grainy essence and an aftertaste somewhat similar to that of peanuts. 13 different varieties of Indian coffee can be identified based on their origins.
•Major Arabica producing regions include Anamalais, Bababudangiris, Biligiris, Araku Valley, Brahmaputra, Shevaroys, and Pulneys.
•Major Robusta producing regions include Wayanad and Travancore.
In addition, Coorg, Chikmagalur, Nilgiris and Manjarabad are famous for both the Arabica and Robusta varieties. Besides these 13 varieties, 3 exclusive varieties of Indian specialty coffees have made their mark in international markets.
•Monsooned Malabar: Monsooned coffee has a story to tell. The "Monsooning" of coffee first happened quite by accident in the deep of sailing ships - a shipload of coffee bound for Europe acquired a mellow yet unique taste en route, with the coffee beans swelling due to the moisture in the air.
•Mysore Nuggets Extra Bold: This coffee is a premium coffee that represents the best quality coffee from India. The beans are very large, uniform blush green in colour with a clean polished appearance. In cup, the coffee exhibits full aroma, medium to good body, good acidity and fine flavour with a hint of spice.
•Robusta Kaapi Royale: This coffee is prepared from Robusta Parchment AB from the regions of Coorg, Wayanad, Chikmagalur and Travancore. The beans appear to be bold, round with pointed ends and grey to bluish grey in colour. This cup ensures full body, soft, smooth and mellow flavour.
