Understanding Coffee

Where does coffee come from? And why do different coffees taste different?

Read our expert guide to where coffee is grown, the types of bean and the all-important roasting process.

Where does coffee come from?

Coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around "the coffee belt", in areas that have the right combination of altitude, soil and weather.

Africa

Coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around "the coffee belt", in areas that have the right combination of altitude, soil and weather.

African coffee is:
- Syrupy
- Medium acidity
- Medium to dark roast
Latin America

Coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around "the coffee belt", in areas that have the right combination of altitude, soil and weather.

Latin American coffee is:
- Nutty
- Low acidity
- Light or medium roast
Asia

Coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around "the coffee belt", in areas that have the right combination of altitude, soil and weather.

Asian coffee is:
- Earthy
- Gentle acidity
- Dark roast

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The Origins of Coffee

Get to know your coffee beans

Coffee beans come from the fruit (called "cherries") of the coffee plant. The cherries are not good to eat, but the beans inside the cherries are full of flavor.

Each variety of coffee plant has a different and distinct flavor. There are more than 120 varieties, but most of the coffee we drink comes from either Arabica and Robusta, or a blend of the two.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans is one of the most popular types and it’s believed to be one of the first coffee species ever grown with roots dating back to 1,000BC. Known for their vibrant and complex flavours, these beans are loved by coffee connoisseurs because of their smooth and less acidic taste.

There are two types of Arabica coffee bean, Typica and Bourbon. Typica is also sometimes known as Sumatra and Arabigo and it is this type which is thought to be the first bean ever discovered. Bourbon on the other hand is considered to be a natural mutation of Typica and offers a more balanced and slightly sweeter favour, making it a popular choice amongst coffee lovers.

Robusta

Commonly grown in Africa and Indonesia, Robusta coffee beans have a higher caffeine content and as such, offer a much deeper and stronger taste than the Arabica variety. It’s a popular choice for espressos due to the rich flavour and layer of crema it gives and is also widely used in instant coffee

As important as the coffee plants

Why is coffee roasted?

Light Roasts

Mild and toasted-grain taste, with a light body and plenty of acidity.
Medium Roasts

More body, less acidity and can be the most fruity and sweet.
Dark Roasts

The most intense and bitter, can have a smoky or chocolatey sweet taste.