Peaberry coffee is a coffee bean that grows naturally without double fertilization. Coffee beans usually grow as a pair in a coffee cherry. But in some cases, there is only one seed that grows in a single coffee cherry. The seeds that grow alone are called peaberry coffee. Indonesia itself also has a name for peaberry coffee, namely kopi lanang.
Although the coffee beans are anomalous, peaberry coffee is not necessarily defective or unfit for consumption. So, peaberry coffee beans do not fall into the category of defects or discarded items.
Hence, peaberry coffee is a unique and distinctive type of coffee. Although the price of peaberry coffee is higher and production is more limited, peaberry coffee is an attractive option for coffee lovers looking for a different experience.
For this reason, it is important to understand the properties and characteristics of peaberry coffee in order to choose the right coffee for your personal taste.
Characteristics of Peaberry Coffee
Peaberry coffee has distinctive features that set it apart from other types of coffee. To identify peaberry coffee, we can look at the shape of the beans, which are rounder and smaller than regular coffee beans. Peaberry coffee beans also have a smoother surface and are often more lustrous.
The rounder shape and smaller size of peaberry coffee beans are due to the unusual growing conditions of the coffee fruit. Usually, each coffee fruit has two coffee beans growing together inside, but in peaberry coffee, only one bean grows and develops inside the coffee fruit. These unusual growing conditions result in smaller, rounder coffee beans.
Peaberry coffee beans are also formed due to naturally occurring genetic mutations, or influenced by the environment and coffee varieties. Based on CCTCID studies, the abnormality of large coffee beans is influenced by pollination, or the pollination process. Robusta types have a greater chance of abnormality due to their cross-pollination process, often hampered by wind and rain.
Still from the same source, the amount of peaberry coffee production is only around 5-10% of the total harvest. Therefore, the price of peaberry coffee is generally higher compared to other types of coffee. Because the chances of coffee bean abnormality are few and far between.
Properties of Peaberry Coffee
Peaberry coffee has a stronger and smoother flavor compared to regular coffee beans. This strong flavor is due to the high caffeine and antioxidant content of the coffee fruit. In addition, peaberry coffee also has a sweeter and less bitter flavor compared to regular coffee beans.
So is the quality of lanang coffee better than regular coffee? Relative. When it comes to aroma, taste and flavor, it remains a matter of individual choice and preference.
In addition, we can also pay attention to the appropriate processing method of peaberry coffee. Different processing methods can produce different flavors and aromas. Some common processing methods of peaberry coffee include dry processing, wet processing, and semi-wet processing. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and can produce its own flavor and aroma characteristics.
Also, the roasting method and brewing method of peaberry coffee contribute to the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Some brewing methods you can try with peaberry coffee are pour over, espresso, and French press.
In conclusion, peaberry coffee is a unique and distinctive type of coffee. Although the price of peaberry coffee is higher and the production is more limited, peaberry coffee remains an attractive option for coffee lovers looking for a new experience.
Understand the characteristics of peaberry coffee and its processing to choose the right coffee for your personal taste, and adjust your spending budget accordingly.
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