Origins of Coffee
- The coffee tree is indigenous to Eastern regions of Africa and was probably discovered in what is now Ethiopia.
- It grows as a broad leaved evergreen shrub or small tree that flowers between 2-5 times each year, depending on rainfall patterns.
History of Coffee
- There are 2 main commercial verities of coffee tree, both grown in a band around the equator, roughly corresponding to the tropics of cancer and Capricorn.
- Coffea Arabica account for about 70% of world production. It is usually cultivated between 1000 and 1,500 m altitude, but there are plantations as low as sea level and as high as 2,800 m. The plant can tolerate low temperatures, but not frost.
- Coffea Canephora (Commonly known as Robusta) accounts for about 30% of world production. It grows at any altitude, but is usually found below 1000m.
Function of Caffeine
- Arabica tends to have about half the caffeine content of Robusta.
- Caffeine paralyses the nervous system of insects.
- This is the main reason why Robusta can grow successfully at lower altitudes where insect populations are greater and more aggressive.
- Arabica plants also require the higher rainfall experienced at altitude.
The Coffee Cherry
- Coffee cherries are picked by hand or by machine. They are about the size and shape of a small olive.
- Each cherry typically contains 2 beans covered in several layers of protection.
- On the outside of the cherry is the skin, pulpy flesh and mucilage. Next is the yellow parchment layer. Finally, enclosing the bean is a papery skin, often called the silverskin.
Instant Coffee
We can also pack instant coffee varieties:
- Pure agglomerated Instant Coffee
- Freeze Dried Insant Coffee
- AggloChicory Instant Mix
This can be packed in both glass jars & in tins. Available in tins of 80g, Glass jars of 50g, 100g, 200g & bulk of 10KG & 25KG.
Please contact us should you require any alternative specifications.