Probably you're no stranger to the words "Arabica" and "Robusta". Things start getting more confusing when you learn about coffee varieties and varietals.
Curious about the nuances of Typica, Bourbon, or Geisha? Well, your curiosity ends here. Remember a fresh roast of your preferred variety awaits you at lluevacafe.com, coffee freshly roasted by hand in Montclair, New Jersey.
1: Varieties vs. Varietals - Cracking the Coffee Code
Before we dive into the forest of coffee varieties, let's understand the difference between "variety" and "varietal". Variety refers to the subspecies or genetic makeup of the coffee, while varietal is the specific coffee product made from a particular variety of bean. It's like grapes used in wine - variety is the type of grape, and varietal is the wine produced from it.
2: A Typica-tly Excellent Brew
Typica, the "typical" choice, and the base from which many coffee varieties are derived. Known for its sweet and clean flavor, Typica carries notes of chocolate and nuts, with a hint of spice. Its bright acidity and medium body make it a go-to choice for any time of the day.
3: Bourbon - Not the Whiskey, But Just As Good
Next in line is Bourbon, pronounced as 'bur-bone', not to be confused with the whiskey. With a lineage tracing back to Yemen, Bourbon tends to produce cherries at a higher rate, resulting in flavorful coffee. It offers complex acidity with a light to medium body, and notes of brown sugar, red fruit, and a lingering sweet aftertaste.
4: Mundo Novo - The New World Blend
Mundo Novo is a natural hybrid of Typica and Bourbon. This high-yielding variety bears the sweet flavors of its parents, along with notes of cherry and dark chocolate. Its balanced body and acidity make it a delightful, well-rounded cup.
5: Caturra - A Burst of Citrus in Your Cup
Caturra is a mutation of Bourbon, known for its high productivity and short stature. It gives off a pleasing citrus-like acidity and full-bodied flavor, with undertones of fruits and berries.
6: Catuai - The Love Child of Caturra and Mundo Novo's secret affair
Catuai, a hybrid of Mundo Novo and Caturra, is compact and resilient. It boasts a bright acidity with hints of tropical fruits, making for a refreshing, sunny day brew.
7: Geisha - The Exotic Delight
Geisha, originating from Ethiopia and thriving in Panama, is considered the queen of coffee for its unique, mesmerizing flavors. With floral and tea-like aromatics, a juicy body, and notes of jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruits, Geisha is the epitome of a luxury coffee experience. A cup of Panamanian Geisha coffee can cost $125 in Japan and $200 USD in Dubai. One of the most expensive coffees in the world, leaving out the controversial Kopi Luwak poop-coffee we won't analyze because of our animal-caring principles, vision, and your own good.
8: Pacas - A Bourbon Offspring
Pacas, a natural mutation of Bourbon, is known for its resistance to disease and high-altitude growth. It offers a well-rounded cup with sweet acidity and notes of caramel and nuts.
Section 9: Wild Arabica - Back to the Roots
The original, uncultivated form of Arabica coffee. It features a distinctively wild, fruity flavor profile with a light body and bright acidity.
Wrapping Up: Sip, Savor, and Shop!
Exploring coffee varieties and varietals opens up a world of flavors that can be a game-changer for your coffee routine. Whether it's the nutty allure of Typica, the fruity punch of Caturra, or the exotic charm of Geisha, every variety offers a unique flavor adventure. Ready to start yours?
Your coffee sensory expedition awaits at lluevacafe.com. Choose from a range of freshly roasted coffee varieties (hand-roasted and scooped in small batches in Montclair, New Jersey), and bring the café experience right to your home. Dive into the world of coffee varieties and varietals and elevate your coffee game today!