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Single-Origin Coffees
Starbucks offers specific, individual coffees from 10 to 15 different countries. Each of these coffees displays an assortment of distinctive flavor characteristics. Starbucks calls these "single-origin" coffees.
The term "varietal" is often misused. Arabica is one species within
genus of coffee (robusta is another species). Each species has varieties ranked underneath it, and there are many varieties of arabica coffee trees. While "varietal" is a botanical term, "single-origin" is a geographical term, and most accurate way to describe coffees from a specific country. As green coffee beans are often grown by multiple farmers and then mixed at their place of origin, a "single-origin" coffee from a specific geographical area may have coffee beans from multiple varieties of arabica plants.
An example of a pure, single-origin coffee is Colombia Nariño (Supremo). This Colombian single-origin comes from province of Nariño, a rugged, mountainous area known for active volcanoes and natural beauty. "Supremo" denotes largest bean size classification for grading and sorting coffee in Colombia. Its dry, nutty flavor and smoothness is best coffee from this area of South America, and is exclusive to Starbucks.
Starbucks Blends
In addition to great single-origin coffees, Starbucks core lineup also includes blends of different single-origin coffees. The blends as a group make up a significant percentage of Starbucks whole bean coffee lineup, and each is as special in its own way as most exotic single-origin coffee. There are many reasons to blend coffee. Starbucks strives to showcase signature style of a particular growing region, as in House Blend or to combine various qualities found in different regions into a harmonious, balanced whole. Whatever case, each Starbucks blend offers a cup of coffee that no single-origin coffee can duplicate.
Dark Roast Blends
Starbucks also offers three dark roast blends: Espresso Roast , Italian Roast, and French Roast. These blends vary both in constituent coffees and roast intonation. Espresso Roast is foundation of company's beverage business, while Italian Roast and French Roast are among Starbucks more popular coffees.
Starbucks Coffee Growing Regions
Most of world's coffee is grown between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn on plantations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Americas.
Africa and Arabia From mountainous eastern half of African continent and Arabian Peninsula come some of world's greatest coffees. The coffees from this region are alluring and complex, sometimes causing even seasoned specialty coffee drinkers to wonder who dropped blueberries and spices into their cup. Some of our favorites are Kenya Coffee Beans , Ethiopia Sidamo Coffee Beans and Arabian Mocha Sanani Coffee Beans. They have intense berry or floral aromas and flavors of berries, citrus fruits, cocoa, and spice.
Latin America Central and South America produce more coffee, by far, than any other growing region. The beans grown here are generally light- to medium-bodied with clean, lively flavors. They are prized for their tangy brightness and consistent quality. Both these features make them ideal foundations for blending. Coffees from this region include: Organic Shade-Grown Mexico, Guatemala Antigua, Colombia Nariño (Supremo).
The Pacific Often called Indonesian coffees because most of beans from this region are grown in that country. These coffees are on opposite end of taste spectrum from Latin American coffees. They are typically full-bodied, smooth, earthy, and occasionally feature herbal flavor notes. These are 'heavyweights' of coffee world, providing deep, sturdy 'low notes' when used in blends. As single-origin coffees, they are perennial favorites. Starbucks Indonesian coffees include: Sumatra, Sulawesi and Komodo Dragon Blend which is a blend of wholly Indonesian coffees.
Starbucks is dedicated and passionate about buying and roasting world's best coffee.
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Gary Gresham is the webmaster for www.perfectcoffees.com where you can purchase quality coffee, tea, cups & mugs, coffee gifts and delicious desserts online. He offers Starbucks Coffee online for you to enjoy at home at: www.perfectcoffees.com/starbucks-coffee.html
