You're a coffee lover in all its forms: Americano, filter, espresso, cappuccino, latte, iced, frappe, or even Irish coffee! You know there's water, milk, and sometimes whiskey in your drink. And you often see the term "100% Arabica." But you're wondering what exactly Arabica coffee is. Is it a simple sales pitch or a major asset? We're going to discover the true definition of 100% Arabica coffee with Mr. Tanuki.
History of Arabica Coffee
Where does Arabica coffee come from?
First, we quickly notice that the word Arabica is a derivative of the word Arabia. This word actually refers to the region of East Africa where it originated. Between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. That is, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, and Yemen. Moreover, the first coffee trees are said to have grown in Yemen. (See this article on the origins of coffee). Today, the coffee tree is also cultivated in other regions conducive to its development. These regions are located on the coffee belt, which stretches from Southeast Asia to South America via Africa. (See this article on the coffee belt).
Conditions for making Arabica coffee
Coffee beans are produced by the coffee plant. Arabica coffee is special because the coffee tree requires specific conditions to grow. It can't be grown everywhere. Only this coffee belt is suitable for its cultivation because it has the right conditions for making Arabica coffee. These conditions include climate, altitude, soil, humidity, and sunlight. It originates from Arabia but is currently produced mainly in Brazil and Colombia.
A luxury product
An endangered species
Bad news: the coffee plant is an endangered species. The climate plays a major role in its development. Today, with global warming, the industry is threatened, and production will certainly face challenges in the coming years. Perhaps Arabica coffee will no longer be produced in certain regions. This is difficult to accept when you drink coffee daily, and this beverage has become commonplace due to its overconsumption. But coffee has always been a luxury product, and we must not forget that.
Arabica coffee is a luxury product
Coffee is a victim of its own success and overconsumption. It has become almost commonplace today because it is an everyday product. But we must not forget that coffee is a luxury product. Especially today, with the threatening shadow of global warming hanging over its production. It already doesn't grow everywhere, and its production could be reduced by making it a rare product. But coffee is also a luxury product for its exceptional qualities. Arabica coffee is renowned and appreciated for its combination of smoothness, finesse, and complex, refined aromas. It is the most recognized and consumed coffee in the world.
What are the specificities of Arabica coffee?
Quick comparison with Robusta
Arabica coffee thrives in high altitudes and mild climates, while Robusta grows in the plains and is resistant to the sun. Robusta coffee yields up to twice as much as Arabica coffee. Furthermore, its harvest is mechanized, unlike Arabica, which is manual. Arabica coffee is also more susceptible to disease, insects, and climate change. The cherries and beans of the two coffees also vary in color and size. Furthermore, Robusta coffee contains up to three times more caffeine than Arabica. It is more bitter and less aromatic. Due to its aromas and the complexity of its cultivation, Arabica coffee is more expensive than Robusta.
Arabica coffee varieties
Arabica coffee comes in several varieties such as Bourbon, Java, Typica, Moka, etc. The original variety is Moka from Yemen. Other varieties were later cultivated in other regions of the world. Each production is unique and Arabica is complex and refined. Monsieur Tanuki is a French brand of coffee in drip coffee bags invented in Japan. All our coffees are 100% Arabica and our individual filters allow you to enjoy their exceptional aromas. We have created a range of coffees with a poetic trilogy classified by intensities in a Japanese universe. The mild decaffeinated Kyoto Déca. The subtle Sakura. The intense Moka, the Ginza. They are available in bulk doypacks, boxes, subscriptions, monthly boxes, and gift boxes.