Coffee Varieties
India grows two main varieties of coffee—Arabica and Robusta. Robusta requires more space as it grows in various directions, and it has a lifespan of over 80-120 years, making it a one-time investment for an entire generation. Arabica, on the other hand, has a lifespan of 25-30 years. If you prefer lighter coffee varieties like instant coffee, cold brews, mocha, cappuccinos, or lattes, Arabica is the better option. You can make over 180 varieties of coffee from Arabica beans.
For those who love strong coffee, such as South Indian filter coffee, espresso, or black coffee, Robusta is the right choice. A 100ml serving of black coffee contains about 2.63 mg of caffeine, which is great for boosting energy, late-night studies, or gym workouts. However, it’s important to consume Robusta in moderation, as excessive intake (more than 3-4 cups a day) can lead to addiction, sleeplessness, and heat generation in the body. Arabica, being the premium version, is suitable for larger quantities and is used in well-known brands like Starbucks and Davidoff, whereas brands like Bru, CCD, and Nescafé predominantly use Robusta. Some coffee brands blend chicory, a plant root grown in Gujarat, with coffee to enhance its taste, colour, and thickness. However, excessive chicory consumption can lead to digestion issues, migraines, increased blood pressure, and weakening of bones.
Coffee Berries
The journey of coffee begins with the coffee plant flowering after the first month of maturation, producing jasmine-scented white flowers. While these flowers are also used to make perfumes, if you want coffee berries, the flowers must dry naturally on the plant.
Coffee Plant Irrigation
Coffee plants need a significant amount of water but not stagnant water. For this reason, they are usually grown in hilly, sloped regions. After irrigation, the coffee berries, which turn red, take about 11 months to mature from the flowering stage. Unlike tea plants that need more sunlight, coffee plants thrive in the shade. Too much sunlight can turn coffee acidic, which is why planters often grow trees, like tea tree, in between coffee plants to provide shade. Coffee plantations also require red soil, which is common in hilly areas. To prevent landslides in these regions, wild trees like silver oak are planted, as their deep roots hold the soil firmly.
Pulping Process
In this process, the skin of the red coffee berries is removed. The discarded skin is used for coffee wine or beauty products like caffeine scrubs. After removing the skin, the remaining beans are referred to as green coffee or decaf. Green coffee lacks bitterness and aroma but is beneficial for diabetes control and weight loss.
Coffee Aroma
After pulping, the beans are roasted, which gives them their distinctive coffee aroma and bitterness. The green beans are roasted at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50 minutes, with temperature adjustments every 10 minutes. Once the beans turn a rich chocolate brown colour, they are transferred to a cooling chamber. It is only after cooling that the coffee aroma is fully released.
The roasted beans are then ground into powder using regular grinding machines found in local mills. This pure coffee powder is primarily used for filter coffee. The next step in many regions is the mixing of chicory, which increases the quantity and reduces the price. In countries like the USA, where coffee is expensive, chicory is used to extend the coffee supply, although it is not the healthiest option.
Instant Coffee Process
Instant coffee is made by taking regular coffee powder, melting it in a machine, and freezing the resulting liquid for 24 hours. After this process, it is considered instant coffee, made either from a mix of Arabica and Robusta or from single-bean Monaco coffee.
Neuro-Coffee Facts
Boosts alertness: Caffeine blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel sleepy, helping you stay awake and alert.
Enhances mood: Coffee stimulates dopamine production, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression.
Improves memory: Moderate coffee intake has been linked to better short-term memory, helping the brain process and retain information more effectively.
Reduces neurodegenerative diseases: Regular coffee consumption may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases by protecting brain cells.
Increases focus and reaction time: Caffeine enhances concentration and speeds up reaction times by boosting the release of adrenaline and other neurotransmitters.