Coffee is one of the world's most important primary commodities. With over 500 billion cups consumed every year, coffee is one of the world's most popular beverages, comprising about a third of tap water consumption.
The two most important species of coffee economically are Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee) - which accounts for over 70% of world production - and Coffea canephora (Robusta coffee).
arabica |
robusta | |
Time from flower to ripe cherry |
9 months | 10-11 months |
Flowering | after rain | irregular |
Root system | deep | shallow |
Coffee berry disease | susceptible | resistant |
Caffeine content of beans | 0.8-1.4% | 1.7-4% |
Shape of bean | flat | oval |
Many things can be said about coffee. Here are just a few: