Coffee, Tea and Me

Until very recently, I didn't know about the many kinds of coffee. I knew about the two species commonly used, but I just found out there are many more. How did I find out? I was cruising around Wikipedia and found their article on coffee, that's how. Of course, reading any Wikipedia article has a tendency to make the brain go numb due to all the references, citations, and technical details you have to wade through.

The Two Main Species of Coffee

While I say they're the two main species, that's not really correct. They're just the main species most widely used and thus, more widely distributed.

The most popular of all is the coffea arabica, of which many varieties exist. It originated in Ethiopia many centuries ago and derives its name from Arabia.

The other popular species is coffea robusta. It supposedly has more flavor and is more expensive.

How Coffee is Consumed

When I was young and living in the US, no one ever mentioned anything other than hot, brewed coffee. That's the way it was served in restaurants, fast-food joints, and at home. The reality is that it's only one of many ways coffee is consumed.

Here's a partial list of ways I've seen coffee consumed, or consumed by me:

• Brewed and served hot - traditional American coffee
• Brewed and served cold - iced coffee
• As Espresso
• Chocolate-covered coffee beans
• Coffee Cake
• As a candy ingredient

It's a short list and if I sat here long enough, I'm sure I could think up a few more.

Local Coffee Varieties

While I primarily drink coffee made by NESCAFÉ, there are some other varieties grown where I live, in the Philippines. The coffee used for the NESCAFÉ brand is grown locally and I believe it's an Arabica.

I do not know which local brands are made from the coffea liberica species, but it would be an interesting experience to sample them. Anyway, the plants are grown in the Batangas and Cavite provinces and I hope to someday get a chance to check out the farms.