If you're looking for the perfect cup of joe, look no further than your local coffeehouse. In many cases, that means visiting a coffee shop rather than going to a brick-and-mortar establishment. That's because unlike their counterparts in other countries, coffee lovers in the U.S. have a wealth of options when it comes to drinking their beverage.
Zooming in on our national obsession: The latte. Whether it's a tall, steaming cup of goodness with plenty of foam or an airy latte with just the right amount of milk and sugar, lattes are at the center of American coffee culture.
Themed coffee shops and coffeehouses also abound here—a great option if you're looking to spend some time getting to know your local barista behind the counter rather than sitting down for a solo cup (or three) before heading out again. Here are some reasons why Americans are so crazy about their java:
What is Arabica Coffee?
Arabica coffee is defined as a coffee with an overall bean makeup that consists of 70% arabica and 30% robusta. The robusta, also known as Arabica Rox, contains up to 25% caffeine. Within the 70% arabica, up to 10% may be acidified to become the high-toned, rich-tasting high-arabica coffee that is specialty-roasted. Robusta is the cheaper, less-potent version of arabica coffee, and is often found in cheap coffee blends. While the name “arabica” might sound like a strong, stodgy coffee, it’s actually a lightweight and smooth variety.
Everyone knows java red or black is the most popular kind of coffee, but did you know that Arabica bean coffee is actually second-most prevalent? In fact, Arabica is the most prevalent coffee variety in the world.
Why Americans are so Crazy About Arabica Coffee?
Few things are as deeply ingrained in the culture of coffee lovers as its sourcing.
In much the same way that African-American and Latino cofees were once considered exotic, exotic brews have become commonplace for many people who love their coffees toasted, caffeinated beverages.
A rich history of coffee farming, roasting methods, and beans from different regions all combine to make it one of the world's most beloved drinks.
If you're looking to introduce someone to the wonders of specialty coffee, they'll probably be more likely to ask why you like your morning cup black if you tell them it is because your Grandma taught you so you don't get "cured" teeth.
Health Benefits of Arabica Coffee
Despite what you might have heard, drinking coffee doesn’t cause multiple sundowning and skin-aging diseases such as osteoporosis, an increase in your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or a higher risk of heart disease. In fact, a study of over 10,000 people in 10 countries concluded that “there is no strong relationship between coffee intake and risk of non-specific chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, osteoporosis, affective disorder, anxiety, and PSP (post-traumatic stress disorder).” In other words, regular intake does not increase the risk of developing any of these conditions.
What Makes Coffee an Arabica?
The typical makeup of an arabica coffee is 75% coffee and 25% robusta beans. The robusta beans typically contain higher levels of caffeine than the coffee beans. When beans are roasted to make coffee, the caffeine is released and then the coffee comes out as an “aroma.” In arabica coffee, the beans have achieved a balance where they contain a good amount of caffeine, are easily grindable and have a pleasant, balanced flavor. In general, the beans used to make an arabica coffee are darker and coarser than those used to make a robusta coffee. This is due to the higher levels of caffeine present in the robusta beans. The coffee beans used to make arabica coffee are typical of higher quality and have been roasted to achieve a higher caffeine content.
Unique Attributes of Arabica Coffee
The taste and smell of arabica coffee are derived from two sources: the coffee beans and the water used to coffee. The taste and smell are actually due to several different factors. The first is the acidity or “sweetness” of the coffee beans. The acidity of the beans causes a distinctive “sweetness” in the coffee that is detected by the human mouth as a taste. The second is the inherent “tannin” in the coffee. When caffeine interacts with the flavor compounds in a coffee bean, it produces a variety of complex compounds that are detected by the nose as the smell.
Nutrition Value of Arabica Coffee
Coffee is a good source of energy and important for usage as a source of antioxidants. It’s also a good source of magnesium, manganese, niacin, and vitamin B-6 as well as potassium, thiamine, and R-ration iron. However, the nutritional value of coffee can vary depending on the ratio of coffee to water content. For example, 1 cup of regular coffee contains:
– Calories
– Fat
– Saturated Fat
– Cholesterol
– Sodium
– Carbohydrates
Summing Up
While most people are familiar with arabica coffee, they’re also likely to be surprised by the Rafaelica variety. While it may not be as popular as the original, it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s the “other” coffee. The unique attributes of this coffee make it a great choice for both novice and expert coffee drinkers - and a great addition to your regular routine. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reason. It’s easy to drink, provides a powerful source of energy, and can help you feel alert and focused when you need it. The one downside to coffee, though, is that it is rich in calories and fat. That being said, you can still take advantage of the health benefits of coffee without having to put a bite in your mouth - and that’s what this article is all about. This article will not end without giving you our top arabica coffee - Lean Joe Bean superfood coffee. Check it here.
