Did you know that the coffee tree shares the same family as cocaine?
Coffea arabica also known as the Arabian coffee, is a species of Coffea.
It is believed to be the first species of coffee to be cultivated and is said to currently represent over 60% of global coffee production.
The other main coffee producer is and Coffea canephora, known as "Robusta"Coffea arabica is one of the world's most valuable crops and is the preferred coffee of choice as it is sweeter in taste.
Coffea canephora, has a higher caffeine content.
C. arabica originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and the Boma Plateau of Sudan.
According to Wikipedia, The first written record of coffee comes from Arab scholars, who wrote that it was useful in prolonging their working hours.
Coffea arabica 'First Fleet' Taken by Jerry Coleby-Williams
Coffea arabica can grow quite tall but there are dwarf varieties available. You can also just prune your Coffea arabica to size. Jerry Colbey-Williams recommends pruning your coffee tree to produce a crop that ripens evenly, to protect the cherries (fruit) from fungal damage, and to keep plants to a suitable height for picking. Jerry states that “Coffee plants flower on the current season's growth, not on older stems. Prune off all weak, dead or crossing branches. If necessary, thin flowering stems so all of them are exposed to good sunlight.”
Coffea arabica prefers a position that gets a lot of warmth but not too much direct summer sun. I have found this plant will burn in full sun and fade in shade. We have it in a number of positions at Trevallan and it loves early morning sun and all day warmth or late afternoon sun and all day warmth. I’ve even heard of people growing it in a full sun position inside. You know the place where the sun streams in through the windows! Coffea arabica hates the cold and during winter really loves a warm spot. It likes regular watering and hates drying out for long periods. It also hates over watering. Regular water is key! It can also be susceptible to insects if allowed to get unhealthy. I find fertilising mine regularly with Organic Link and a regular Liquid feed with neem and Triple Boost keeps ours looking good. Also great soil - free draining and nutrient dense. Jerry Colley-Williams has many posts on his Facebook page about coffee and all its different uses. Like, did you know you you can eat the ripe outer flesh? Jerry says it’s sweet and antioxidant rich. It can also be brewed to make tea which is said to have anti-inflammatory properties? A tea from coffee, mind blown!
Ultimately these babies can produce beautifully scented white flowers, fruit that can be eaten raw and then the ultimate seeds that make the coffee. It’s a long process and not one I would like to do to get a cup of coffee in the morning but at the same time an exercise I would like to experience
Have you grown and made your own coffee?
Coffea arabica now available at Trevallan