Bean Misunderstood; A Coffee Bean Tale

The production of Arabica environmentally disrupts forests.

There is a downside to Arabica, though, and that is its consequences on the environment. With climate change, the temperatures are shifting the taste, smell, and quality of the bean. It is economically more costly and risky for farmers to produce. This is because coffee beans of excellent quality are connected to higher altitudes. Higher altitudes have more forests, shade, and better air quality, creating a higher quality bean. Studies show climate change mitigation with “shade management, pest management, carbon monoxide, and water pollution management” will support coffee production and sustainability.

It is essential to consider growing more Robusta since it is pest resilient, thrives under the sun, and doesn’t require being produced at high altitudes. However, Robusta can still be detrimental to sustainability as Arabica is. This is because of the escalation of climate effects of drought, more types of plant diseases, and the ever-increasing temperatures. One can look into production of coffee sustainability.  Los Angeles Department of Public Works Environmental Programs execute standards to help to execute sustainable measures. To keep people healthy, methane levels matter. The science, safety, and systems can be understood through reading methane testing process. Sway Features significance is seen in meticulous work to prevent tragic methane explosions such as Sylmar Water District Tunnel Explosion.

Science of Coffee Beans

To keep up with natural changes, science must continue to research what methods will ensure sustainable processes that maintain the caffeine bean’s flavor, smell, and body. Science is needed to study crops in general. Our food systems must prioritize food security. Given the importance of coffee is a priority for consumers, it must be considered what the risk of coffee extinction is and how coffee can be developed to be sustainable. This opens a branch for possible species being hybridized, adapting to conditions, and improving the overall environment so that coffee can continue to grow as people will benefit from health and environmental improvements. In the meantime, perhaps revisit Robusta.

Bean Misunderstood Roots

Arabica coffee came from Arabia; it has been grown since 500 CE. Much later, when England learned about coffee, they consistently grew the bean worldwide. England took Arabica coffee beans and planted them from Africa to India. However, the plant would develop a fungus on the leaves called rust. This problem is what led Europeans to experiment with Robusta. In 1906 an American chemist created the first version of instant coffee using Robusta with freeze-drying methods. It was quickly grown at low or high altitudes. It proved to be processed much more effortlessly than Arabica.

Robusta came from Africa. It was raised in 1800, then in the1900s, Europeans tried to grow it. Arabica was used in Europe because it had been commemorated for its caffeine content; thus, demand exploded, but the leaf fungus caused Europeans to get their hands on Robusta. Robusta is an inexpensive fill-in; Vietnam, India, and Brazil started cultivating it. Consumers in countries regarded as tea drinkers, such as Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom, prefer Robusta. It also has been proven to have higher caffeine content, adds body to espresso-based coffees, and is available as instant coffee. Robusta contains a deep history.

Bean Bias

The taste for Robusta did not establish in the United States. While the practicality of instant coffee, cheaply produced and quickly processed, was appealing to other countries, American consumers want their chocolate or rich flavors highlighted in their morning brews. They prefer arabica beans, which can only be grown at higher altitudes, are not processed as quickly, and require harsh pesticides. Robusta coffee can be grown in various climates and is a sun plant, so it doesn’t need as many pesticides. A result of sun-grown coffee is that it doesn’t maintain its density of nutrition, the flavor is noticeably more bitter, and the product grows smaller.

Bean Misunderstood

Instant coffee is more economical, easily consumed, and can be improved on one’s palate. Remember during the pandemic, the Vietnamese coffee trend? That was a drink made of condensed milk and instant coffee. Suppose Robusta can mix and hold flavor well with condensed milk. Then it can be combined with various lattes, americanos, cappuccinos, and espressos! Robusta has been growing since the 1800s and is widely preferred worldwide; it is worth giving it a chance.