Every coffee variant has its own story and uniqueness. Whether from the historical value and culture to the flavors and aromas that are owned, all are so varied and exciting to be discussed more deeply.
One such coffee is peaberry coffee. Because it is unique and special, it is in high demand by coffee lovers from various parts of the world.
So, what are the actual characteristics of what is meant by unique? Let’s take a closer look at what is peaberry coffee and what makes it so unique compared to other coffee beans.
Table of Contents
What Is Peaberry Coffee Bean?
Peaberry coffee is a type of coffee bean that comes from a unique coffee plant. Usually, a coffee fruit contains two coffee beans.
What is special about peaberry coffee? In peaberry plants, you can only find one bean in each fruit. This is what causes its shape to be perfectly round.
Why does this happen? Inside, a natural mutation process causes the second seed to fail to develop. This uniqueness occurs due to a natural mutation that prevents the second seed from developing.
In addition, these beans tend to have complex flavors due to the sugar and oil content concentrated in just one bean.
The Picking Process of Peaberry Coffee
It turns out that picking this coffee also tends to be complicated. The peaberry coffee beans that are successfully formed are only about 5-10% of the total coffee harvest.
This is one of the reasons why peaberry coffee beans are so expensive. Here are some of the steps involved in picking peaberry coffee beans:
- Coffee Fruit Selection: The selection of coffee fruits must be done when the seeds reach a fully ripe condition, even if they are picked manually by the coffee pickers.
- Separation of Peaberry Beans: After picking, the peaberry coffee beans will be sorted from the regular coffee beans, either manually or with a particular machine. Their smaller and rounder shape means they have to observe them.
- Processing and Drying: The separated peaberry coffee beans will be washed and dried first. The purpose is to remove the mucus layer from the outer skin and reduce the moisture content inside the beans.
- Packaging and Storage: Once dried, peaberry coffee beans must be carefully packaged to avoid damaging their quality. This coffee should be stored in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and delicious.
Where Do Peaberry Coffee Beans Grow
Are you looking for the best peaberry coffee? If so, we recommend buying peaberry coffee from Tanzania and Kenya. They are famous for their excellent quality peaberry coffee origin.
1. Tanzania
Tanzania is known as the world’s largest producer of peaberry coffee. This coffee is generally grown 1,200-2,000 meters above sea level, producing high-quality beans.
Here, a small portion of the peaberry coffee bean harvest comes from Arabica coffee varieties, giving it a flavor profile resembling fresh fruits and a reasonably bright acidity.
2. Kenya
Besides Tanzania, you can also get it from the Kenyan region. Like Tanzania, peaberry coffee from Kenya is quite complex in flavor, with a strong aftertaste of tropical fruits and citrus.
The process of planting and processing is meticulous. Therefore, it is no wonder that coffee from Kenya is of excellent quality and is the right choice for various coffee lovers.
3. Sumatra
The Sumatra region is also considered the world’s best supplier of peaberry coffee beans! The natural soil is rich in minerals and volcanic, perfect for supporting coffee growth.
The local farmers there also give it their all by using traditional wet hulling techniques to produce high-quality coffee beans. As for the flavor, Sumatra peaberries are sweet with dark chocolate notes, earthy spices, and sweet tropical fruits.
Also read: Getting to Know Green Coffee Beans by Region Map
The Benefits of Peaberry Coffee
After learning what is peaberry coffee, now it’s time to learn what advantages they provide. Here are some of the benefits of peaberry coffee that you must know!
- Premium Quality: Being quite rare, peaberry coffee is synonymous with being one of the premium coffees. Thanks to the selection process, it is ensured that these coffees are only sold with the best quality.
- Unique Coffee Drinking Experience: The perfectly round shape of peaberry coffee beans gives them a unique flavor profile. This makes your coffee-drinking experience more special than ever!
- Health Potential: Like other coffees, peaberry coffee beans are also rich in antioxidants that are good for your health. Apart from fighting free radicals, they can make your heart healthier.
What Differs Peaberry Coffee Beans from Others?
Is peaberry coffee the same as regular coffee? The answer is no. Although they come from the same plant, their physical characteristics and flavor profiles differ. Let’s discover the comparisons between peaberry and regular coffee beans that affect the whole.
1. Shape
Peaberry coffee beans are perfectly round. This differs from regular coffee beans, which are flat and one side flat. From its different shape, peaberry coffee is roasted more evenly to make the flavor more consistent.
2. Rarity
Peaberry coffee tends to be rare. Of the coffee harvest, only 5-10% is of the peaberry bean variety. What makes peaberry beans rare? They don’t exist as much as regular coffee, and their formation occurs due to rare natural mutations.
3. Flavor
The flavor of a peaberry coffee is usually more intense and complex, all thanks to the higher blending of sugar and oil. This is what makes the flavor so sweet and the texture smooth.
Does peaberry coffee have more caffeine? According to a book titled Caffeine and Activation Theory, peaberry coffee has a slightly higher caffeine content than regular coffee. On the other hand, some studies found some peaberry coffee beans contain as much as 13% more caffeine.
4. Complexity
Next, this coffee is known for its complex flavor. You’ll experience each layered flavor profile in every sip, ranging from sweet and sour to bitter. Interestingly, all these flavors blend until they feel harmonious on your tongue.
5. Origin
Although found in many coffee-producing countries, only a few regions offer quality peaberry coffee. Some of them are Tanzania, Kenya, and Kona.
6. Processing
Before packaging, peaberry coffee grains must go through a separation process. This is to differentiate it from regular coffee beans. Moreover, peaberry coffee tends to be small and round. This sorting process ensures that only the best quality peaberry coffee beans can be found in the market.
7. Roasting
Just like the harvesting process, you also have to be careful when roasting peaberry coffee beans. With the right roasting temperature and time, you can produce coffee with the perfect flavor!
8. Versatility
Finally, you can use any brewing method to prepare peaberry coffee. From pour-over and French press to espresso machines, all produce different flavor and aroma profiles.
Also read: Is Coffee Halal or Haram: Sorting Fact from Fiction
How to Roast Peaberry Coffee Beans
For optimal results, you can choose between the following three roasting methods. Adjust it according to the equipment available at home.
1. Manual Roasting
First, peaberry beans can be roasted in a pan or a particular roasting device. Here, you need to control the exact temperature and stir constantly. This helps to produce evenly roasted beans.
2. Roasting Machine
Second, use a roasting machine. With accurate temperature and time settings, the roasting process of peaberry coffee beans can be more consistent!
3. Oven Roasting
The last method is with the oven. Arrange some coffee beans on a heated baking sheet. Then, roast them at your desired temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Adjust the roasting time to the light-dark roast stage so that the flavor profile matches your preference. Avoid leaving it too long, as it may cause the beans to burn.
How to Brew Peaberry Coffee Beans
As mentioned, a great cup of peaberry coffee starts with the proper brewing method. Here are some methods of brewing peaberry coffee beans that you can do!
Method 1: Pour-Over
In this method, you only need to use a V60 or Chemex. First, coarsely grind the peaberry coffee beans, then gently saddle them with hot water. Let it sit until the coffee beans have all the flavor and aroma.
Method 2: French Press
For coffee with a thicker texture, you can brew it using the French Press technique. Mix the coarsely ground coffee beans with hot water. Let sit for a few minutes, then press and strain the coffee liquid with the grounds.
Method 3: Espresso
Finally, use an espresso machine to produce a rich and intense brew of peaberry coffee. Here, you’ll first need to grind the peaberry coffee beans finely. After that, the machine’s high pressure is used to extract the coffee beans into a delicious cup of espresso.
Savor Every Sip: The Uniqueness and Specialty of Peaberry Coffee
Now, you know what is peaberry coffee in full. From its origin, shape, flavor, and processing, this coffee presents an enjoyable coffee-drinking experience for special moments.
Want to try the delicious taste of peaberry coffee? Don’t worry; you can get your hands on Indonesia’s signature Sumatra Super Peaberry variant at FnB Coffee!
In various forms, from green coffee beans to ground coffee, these beans have a fresh and nutty aroma. The flavor is also complex as it combines the bitter taste of coffee with a hint of vanilla.
Other than that, we also stock Arabica coffee beans from other regions too! Visit this link to find some coffee variations that will suit your palate. Visit the FnB Coffee website soon and experience how unique these peaberry coffee beans are at home!
