As many coffee aficionados will insist, Arabica beans brew the best coffee. Named for their origin in Arabia, these beans are the original source of coffee, dating back many centuries. Growing this coffee requires the utmost patience, as the plants take several years to reach their full potential. The beans are a wonderful shade of deep red when fully developed.

It is possible that we can trace our coffee addictions back to goats. It seems that many years ago, farmers discovered the animals behaving with extra energy and observed them chewing coffee plants. Of course, as soon as we discovered their source of vigor, humans began using it to extend their workdays and, as they say, “The rest is history.”

Of all the coffee plants that exist, the Arabica and Robusta beans are the actual sources of the drink we enjoy every day. Arabica beans are always thought of as superior to Robusta beans by coffee lovers everywhere. Robusta plants are hardy and can survive more challenging conditions, but the trade-off is flavor. Oddly enough, while Arabica is the most desired of all coffee beans, it contains less caffeine than some of the other plants.

Types of Arabica beans include Typica, Caturra and Bourbon varieties. Of course, as Arabica beans are used by most coffee manufacturers, it takes a true connoisseur to point out the differences in flavor between these subcategories.

Coffee provides stimulation for all of our senses. Prior to enjoying our morning cup, we appreciate the smell of the brew. Many of us begin cannot properly function before we “have our coffee.” The goats were right!