Are there differences in coffees from different parts of producing countries?
The quality of coffee and its characteristic taste and aroma differ not only from one region to another but also from year to year depending on rainfall and other weather conditions. Coffee from countries like Guatemala with different altitudes, rainfall and many microclimates can vary vastly from one region to the next, and also within a region. • Arabica vs. Robusta: The two commonly grown coffee trees are Arabica and Robusta. Most specialty coffees are Arabica, whereas cheaper coffees on the store shelves are Robusta blended with some Arabica to improve taste and flavor. Robusta trees are hardier and resistant to frost and diseases. Most high quality Arabicas are produced in central and South America and Hawaii. Eastern countries and Brazil are the major producers of Robusta. Robusta has twice the caffeine content of Arabica. Robusta flowers are cross-pollinated whereas Arabica can be self-pollinated. Robusta trees are taller and produce more coffee beans per tree. Robusta coffees a
