How to Make Arabica Coffee Like a Pro: Bean to Brew

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you've definitely heard of Arabica coffee. Renowned for its smooth flavour and aromatic profile, Arabica coffee is the world's most popular type of coffee. You've got the coffee beans, but now what? How to make Arabica Coffee? We've got you! In this guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about Arabica coffee, from selecting the right beans to brewing the perfect cup. We'll also explore some common questions and comparisons with its counterpart, Robusta Coffee.

What is Arabica Coffee?

Arabica coffee is believed to have been the first species of coffee to be cultivated, originating in the highlands of Ethiopia which is located in the horn of Africa. According to legend, coffee's energizing effects were first discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi around the 9th century. Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating the red cherries from a certain bush. Curious, he tried the cherries himself and experienced a similar stimulating effect.

From Africa these beans slowly moved to the Arab countries where they were mass cultivated commercially and thus the name "Arabica". These coffee beans are known for their complex flavour profile, which includes notes of sweetness, fruit, and acidity. These beans are more delicate and require specific growing conditions, typically high altitudes with a steady climate and ample rainfall.

Sattvic Foods Arabica Coffee beans

• Single Origin: The beans are sourced exclusively from Hassan, Karnataka, a renowned region for its coffee production.
• Certified Organic: Our coffee beans are certified organic, ensuring they are grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. This emphasizes sustainability and quality in farming practices.
• Roast Level: They are roasted to a medium to dark level, promising a rich and strong coffee flavour. This roast profile typically brings out deeper, bolder flavours in the beans.
• Distinctive Flavour: Unlike traditional methods where the pulp surrounding the coffee beans is discarded, our farmers allow the beans to sun dry along with the pulp. This process retains additional sugars from the pulp, contributing to a sweet, fruity, and floral taste profile.
  
• Unique Taste: Additionally, we can self-attest to the fact that our coffee beans possess notes of chocolate and cocoa, enhancing the overall flavour experience.

What is Robusta Coffee?

Robusta coffee, originating from sub-Saharan Africa, is known for its robust flavour profile characterized by a strong, bitter taste with grainy or nutty undertones. These beans are smaller and more round-shaped compared to Arabica, and they contain higher caffeine levels, making them ideal for espresso blends and instant coffee. Robusta plants are resilient to pests and thrive in lower altitudes and hotter climates, contributing significantly to the global coffee market's diversity and economic importance.

Arabica Coffee Beans vs Robusta Coffee Beans

When comparing Arabica coffee beans to Robusta coffee beans, several key differences emerge:

1. Flavour Profile: Arabica beans are known for their sweet, fruity, and sometimes floral notes, while Robusta beans tend to have a stronger, more bitter taste with earthy undertones.
2. Caffeine Content: Robusta beans contain almost double the caffeine content of Arabica beans, which contributes to their bitter taste.
3. Growing Conditions: Arabica beans require high altitudes and cooler climates, whereas Robusta beans are more resilient and can be grown at lower altitudes and higher temperatures.
4. Price: Due to the specific growing conditions and the more labour-intensive cultivation process, Arabica coffee beans are generally more expensive than Robusta beans.

How to Make Arabica Coffee at Home

Brewing the perfect cup of Arabica coffee at home requires attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Roasted Arabica coffee beans
• Coffee Scale
• Coffee grinder
• Coffee maker (drip coffee maker, French press, pour-over, or espresso machine)
• Coffee filter (if using a drip coffee maker or pour-over method)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Measure the Coffee Beans: Use a coffee scale to measure the appropriate amount of coffee beans. A standard ratio is 1:15, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. Adjust based on your taste preference.
• Grind the Beans: Use a coffee grinder to grind the beans to the appropriate consistency for your brewing method. Use a coarse grind for a French press, a medium grind for a drip coffee maker, and a fine grind for an espresso machine.

• Heat the Water: Heat filtered water to the optimal brewing temperature, typically between 90°C to 96°C.
• Brew the Coffee: Follow the instructions for your specific coffee maker. For a pour-over, place the filter in the dripper, add the ground coffee, and slowly pour hot water over the grounds in a circular motion. For a French press, add the coffee grounds to the carafe, pour hot water over them, stir, and let steep for 4 minutes before pressing the plunger down.
• Serve and Enjoy: Pour the brewed coffee into your favourite mug and savour the rich, complex flavours of Arabica coffee.

For more detailed information check out this guide.

Arabica Coffee Powder

For those who prefer the convenience of pre-ground coffee, Sattvic Foods offers Organic Arabica Coffee Powder, ensuring a delightful cup every time. Our high-quality Arabica coffee powder is chicory-free and made exclusively from 100% Arabica beans.

Ideal for use in South Indian filter presses, our finely ground powder guarantees a rich and flavourful brew. Alternatively, you could simply steep one tablespoon of coffee granules in boiling water for 5 minutes, strain, and savour the aromatic goodness!

Common Questions About Arabica Coffee

Starbucks primarily uses 100% Arabica coffee beans in its beverages. The company prides itself on sourcing high-quality Arabica beans from various regions around the world, which contribute to the rich, complex flavours of their coffee.

Prices are mostly regulated by demand however several factors contribute to the higher price of Arabica coffee. The delicate nature of Arabica plants requires specific growing conditions, making cultivation more labour-intensive and less resilient to pests and diseases. Additionally, the complex flavours of Arabica beans make them more desirable, driving up demand and price.

The price of Arabica coffee beans can vary significantly based on factors such as origin, quality, and market conditions. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $30 per kilogram. Specialty Arabica beans, such as those from renowned coffee-growing regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, and Costa Rica, may command even higher prices due to their unique flavours and limited availability.

Arabica coffee can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It contains antioxidants and essential nutrients, such as vitamins B2 and B3, potassium, and magnesium. However, it's important to note that adding excessive sugar or high-fat creamers can negate some of these health benefits.

Arabica coffee is a favourite among coffee lovers for its smooth, nuanced flavours and aromatic qualities. Whether you prefer brewing a fresh cup from whole beans or using pre-ground Arabica coffee powder, understanding the characteristics and brewing techniques can help you enjoy the best coffee experience. By selecting high-quality beans, using the right equipment, and following proper brewing methods, you can savour the rich and complex flavours that make Arabica coffee so special.

Despite nearly 130 species of coffee existing, over 90% of global coffee consumption comes from just Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is increasingly being cultivated because of its resilience to pests, but its shallow root system makes it difficult to survive droughts, necessitating regular irrigation, which can be a drawback. While there are groups researching and experimenting with cultivating other varieties, it will take some time before these become available on a large scale.