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The original plantation coffee varieties grow well in home garden coffee. They also offer an exotic taste. However, these types are rare. They include:
Arabica
Coffea Arabica is the most popular type of coffee in the world, making up about 60% to 70% of global production. Home garden coffee Arabica trees prefer cooler, shaded areas. They do well at high altitudes and require more care compared to Robusta. Arabica coffee has a wide taste range and is often described as smooth, with less bitterness than Robusta.
Robusta
Robusta is hardier than Arabica and is often grown in gardens at lower altitudes. It withstands warmer temperatures and has more pests. Robusta offers a stronger, more bitter flavor. It has a higher caffeine content and is often used in espresso blends and instant coffee.
Liberica
Though not commonly grown, Liberica coffee can be cultivated in home gardens in areas with higher humidity. It has a unique, woody, and somewhat floral flavor profile. It is strong and far different from Arabica and Robuster. It has a smoky taste and is not milder.
Excelsa
Excelsa is a hybrid of Liberica and Arabica. It was initially developed in the early 20th century. It is a rare variety that can be grown in home gardens in specific tropical climates. It has a bright, fruity flavor that can add diversity to a coffee garden. It is known for its fruity, tart flavor and is usually used to add complexity to blends.
Peaberry
Peaberry isn’t a distinct type of coffee plant but rather a rare occurrence within Arabica and Robusta varieties. Peaberries make up about 5% to 15% of Arabica production and 1% to 2% of Robusta crops. Peaberries are round beans that contain one seed instead of the usual two in each coffee cherry. This gives them a distinct shape. The flavor of Peaberry coffee can vary widely depending on the roast, but it often has a more concentrated taste due to its lower acidity.
Growing and using home garden coffee requires several steps to ensure the coffee beans produced are high quality.
Planting and Growing
Choosing the right coffee variety for the climate and personal taste preference is essential. Arabica prefers cooler, high-altitude areas, while Robusta is more heat-tolerant.
Coffee trees thrive in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Their roots need to be deep and strong. Adding compost or well-rotted manure helps keep the roots healthy.
Coffee plants require a lot of shade to protect them from direct sunlight all day. Large trees or shade cloths can provide the necessary cover. 2-3 hours of direct sunlight a day is enough for them.
Harvesting
Home Garden coffee should be harvested when the cherries are fully ripe. This is usually a deep red color but can vary depending on the variety. Picking can be done by hand or with mechanical methods. Coffee cherries ripen at different times, so multiple harvests may be necessary.
Processing
The coffee cherries can be processed in a few different ways. Which will depend on the infrastructure available:
A dry process involves spreading the cherries in the sun to dry after the outer skin is removed.
A wet process involves removing the outer skin and mucilage with water-based processing machines. This helps keep the flavor fresh.
Both methods require careful attention to detail to avoid spoiling the beans.
Drying
Drying is crucial for preventing mold and ensuring the beans are ready for roasting. Beans must be kept at a moisture level below 12%.
Roasting
Home-roasting coffee requires special skills and techniques, either in an oven, on a stovetop, or with a dedicated coffee roaster. The roast level (light, medium, dark) greatly impacts the flavor. This is due to different chemical changes in the beans' makeup during roasting.
Grinding
The grind size should match the brewing method used. This is important for flavor because even slight variations in grind size can have an impact on the amount of coffee in the brew.
Brewing
There are many methods to brew home garden coffee: using a drip coffee maker, French press, espresso machine, or pour-over. Each method will produce a different type of drink.
Planting home garden coffee comes with various benefits. They include:
Freshness and Flavor
Control Over Growing Conditions
Having control over the growing conditions ensures that quality is maintained throughout the process.
Sustainability
Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or focusing on organic practices leads to more sustainable coffee production.
Cultural and Personal Satisfaction
Growing coffee can be a deeply satisfying personal and cultural experience for those who enjoy the labor of love involved in their cultivation.
Health Benefits
All coffee can offer health benefits such as increased alertness, improved physical performance, and the potential lower risk of certain diseases like Parkinson's and Type 2 diabetes.
Proper storage of Home Garden coffee is essential to maintain its freshness, flavor, and aroma. Buyers can try these strategies to keep this coffee in good condition:
Keep the Beans Away from Moisture
Use Airtight Containers
Keep the Coffee Away from Light
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Avoid Storing in the Refrigerator or Freezer
It is best not to store roasted coffee beans in the refrigerator or freezer, as the changing temperatures can cause condensation even if the jar is sealed, and the beans will absorb moisture.
Buy Fresh Coffee
Fresh Roasted Coffee
Buy Whole Coffee Beans
Keep the Grounds Away from Air
Home garden coffee refers to coffee grown in a personal garden or a small-scale home setup. Many people prefer to plant and grow their own coffee for their freshness, quality, and personal satisfaction.
Regular watering, especially during dry periods, is essential to keep the plants healthy. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the growth of weeds.
Yes, when proper techniques are used to manage the garden coffee plants, it can yield good quality beans that can even be fresher than the store-bought ones.
Applying fertilizer makes the coffee plants produce better quality beans. Organic fertilizers like compost, fish emulsion, or bone meal can improve soil health over time.