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Coffee trees grow around the world in a belt between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.  They require heavy rainfall but cannot survive frost.  The blossoms are jasmine scented and the fruit looks like a cranberry.   Each fruit contains two seeds, which are green coffee beans, flat sides together.

The 'Tropical Belt' is shown here coloured green.

There are primarily two types of coffee trees.   The low grown Robusta is the most common.  It produces inexpensive, high caffeine, but inferior beans.  They are often harvested mechanically and generally used for commercial office type and canned grocery coffees, and also as "fillers" to stretch the profit of unscrupulous coffee companies (beware of names such as "type" or "style").

The Arabica Tree is grown at very high altitudes and produces the most highly prized and flavorable coffee with less than half the caffeine of the Robusta.  It yields only about one pound (454 grams) of coffee per year, about 1750 berries, each of which must be hand picked for perfect ripeness.  The great demand for Arabica beans throughout the world, the vagaries of the weather at high altitudes, and frequent political unrest in the temperate climates, makes these coffee beans a sometimes gold-like commodity.

Of all the green Arabica coffee beans available, Pot of Gold Coffee roasting Company buys and sells only the very top grade.  (For instance, Columbia has eight grades with Supremo being the best.)  The next step is the Estate where the coffee is grown - like the finest wine from different areas, each coffee has its own wonderful character, aroma, and flavor.

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Last updated:  Sept. 6, 2004
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