Coffee is one of the most popular hot beverages in the world. It has a rich flavor and offers a range of health benefits. It also provides a boost of energy and can help improve mood.
The arabica species of the coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is responsible for around 60% of the total world production. This species has a sweeter and fruitier taste than its counterpart coffea canephora.
Origin
The story of coffee’s rise from a simple fruit seed to the world’s most traded global commodity begins in Africa and Arabia. The botanical species Coffea arabica traces its origin to the country of Ethiopia, from where it spread across the African continent and to the Pacific islands.
The distinguishing feature of Arabica beans is their elongated shape and curved groove, which sets them apart from the rounder, more circular beans of the competing species Coffea canephora. They also contain half the caffeine of Robusta coffee beans, making them more enjoyable for many people to consume.
Around the turn of the 20th century, humans began intentional cultivation and selection of cultivars that would yield higher harvests and better resistance to climate change and disease. Arabica coffee plants are more delicate than other species and require specific climatic conditions. They can only be grown in warm and sheltered areas and are susceptible to pests. This makes them more expensive to produce than other species.
Taste
Arabica Coffee is known for its smoother taste, often with chocolatey and fruity undertones. It also tends to have lower caffeine levels than Robusta coffee beans. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are new to coffee or those who prefer a lighter brew.
The flavor of arabica coffee varies depending on the nation and region where it is grown. The specialty coffee industry focuses on promoting single-origin arabica beans with distinct flavor profiles, as well as transparency in production and sourcing practices.
There are dozens of arabica cultivars, but Bourbon and Typica are the two most popular. Bourbon trees are distinguished by their rounded leaves and dense foliage, while Typica plants are characterized by their oval-shaped cherries. Both are found in Central and South America. They are resistant to drought and disease. Unlike other coffee species, arabica has a high level of chlorogenic acids. These are powerful antioxidants that can help prevent the development of free radicals in the body. They also contain choline and trigonelline, which are important nutrients for healthy skin.
Health Benefits
Arabica is the most popular variety of coffee around the world. This variety is known to be rich in antioxidants and minerals. It is also an excellent source of energy. The caffeine in this variety is a natural stimulant that can help shake off morning fatigue. It works by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine.
Moreover, the chlorogenic acids and caffeine in this variety can assist with decreasing irritation in skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis. It can even reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. In addition, it can be helpful for preventing chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
In addition to its stimulating effects, the caffeine in arabica is also a powerful diuretic. This is important in terms of regulating the body’s water balance and regulating blood pressure. Furthermore, it contains small amounts of niacin and magnesium. It can keep the skin healthy and moisturized. This is why it is widely used in beauty products.
Price
The ICE coffee market moved down 6.6 cents this week ending at 181.6 US cents/lb basis the most active May contract. The market opened up this week as easing differentials across Colombia and Central America triggered some index buying, but this was quickly overwhelmed by speculative selling.
The spread between the December and March contracts collapsed to levels not seen in over a year. This, combined with rising futures prices, is making it harder for trade houses to sell ICE certified stocks (the lowest quality coffee available at destination) to their customers.
This was highlighted by the rise in pending gradings this week to just over 50 thousand bags. This reflects the fact that nearby coffee is not being sold and rather put up for grading at a significant discount to the physical price at origin. This is a sign of the ongoing supply imbalance in the coffee market.
