Coffee Beans – The Arabica and Robusta Species
Coffee beans grown for sale are picked from two primary species, namely Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee beans are considered superior and are used primarily in brewing gourmet coffees - espressos, cappuccinos and the like. Robusta beans are found primarily in lower grade, every day store bought coffees.
Arabica coffee beans are hand-picked (much like grapes are for fine wine) just as they become fully ripened - they're not allowed to fall on the ground and spoil like robusto beans. Arabica beans are then dried, sorted and graded according to color, size, and uniformity. It is believed that Arabica beans were the first type of coffee beans ever cultivated, and they have been consumed for more than a millennium in some parts of Africa.
Arabica coffee beans are grown at high altitudes (4000 to 6000 feet above sea level) in areas where the combination of abundant rain, warm temperatures, fertile soil and adequate shade develop superior coffee flavor. As mentioned, these beans are picked by hand at the peak of ripeness, carefully processed using the wet or dry method (depending on their country of origin), then meticulously graded and separated by bean size and density.
While Arabica coffee beans are more difficult to grow and harvest than other coffee beans such as Robusta, it is generally acknowledged that their superior flavor justifies the effort. Simply stated, Arabica coffee beans are considered a higher quality and better tasting bean than the other commercially grown coffee beans (robusta). Arabica coffee beans are grown all over the world, from Latin America to parts of Africa and Asia where the best environments offer light shade and higher altitudes.
Arabica coffee beans are a staple of gourmet coffees for making espresso and cappuccino. You can click on that link to browse through a huge selection of espresso machines.
Shopping for an Espresso Machine? Here's a selection at affordable prices:
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DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker List Price: $140.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $63.99 Average Rating:   |
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The DeLonghi Espresso Maker has a patented dual-function filter holder for use with ground espresso, this unique filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. Distinguished by it's caramel color, the crema is the essence of authentic espresso... |
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Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $36.25 Average Rating: |
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Makes delicious espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. Powerful milk frother. 4-Cup capacity: 20-ounce. Per shot. Removable drip tray. Easy to pour decanter. Removable frothing aid. On/off indicator light. |
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Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine List Price: $100.00 Sale Price: $49.00 Used From: $50.00 Average Rating: |
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Experience the full taste of espressos, cappuccinos and lattes. The Capresso 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine features an exclusive Coffee/Steam Selector that makes it easy to control both brewing and steaming, allowing the user to adjust coffee strength to their personal taste... |
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Cuisinart EM-100 1000-Watt 15-Bar Espresso Maker, Stainless Steel List Price: $270.00 Sale Price: $105.99 Used From: $110.00 Average Rating: |
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Imagine a cup of your favorite espresso, cappuccino or latte - hot, rich, fresh and flavorful- anytime you want it. The stainless steel Cuisinart Espresso Maker is the real thing and looks like the professional it is... |
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Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo, Black List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $49.99 Used From: $51.99 Average Rating:  |
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Indulge creating your specialty coffee drinks at home. You can have fun serving Espresso, Cappuccinos and Lattes to your guest while conveniently being able to also make regular black coffee. Show off with your Combination Coffeemaker and Espresso/ Cappuccino Maker machine... |
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Tags: arabica coffee bean, cappuccino, coffee, coffee beans, expresso, robusta coffee bean
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