Peaberry coffee- it sounds intriguing. With a name like that it must be something special- and it is!
What is a Peaberry?
The coffee bean we all know and recognize starts life as the seed of the coffee cherry. In most cases, two seeds grow inside the coffee cherry. This produces the flattish coffee bean shape we most commonly think of. But, with a peaberry, only one seed grows inside the coffee cherry. This leads to a distinct round shape.
Where do Peaberries Come From?
A peaberry is a natural mutation that occurs in both Arabica and robusta coffee varieties. (Our peaberry coffees are only 100% Arabica). From the outside, a peaberry coffee cherry and a regular coffee cherry look the same. You can’t tell if a peaberry is inside until the fruit is removed. Only about 5% of coffee grows peaberries, but they can appear in any varietal, and within any country. Most coffee farms have at least a few here and there. For a long time, the peaberry was considered an undesirable defect, but not anymore!
Why are Peaberry Coffees Special?
Because all the nutrients are concentrated in one bean, rather than split between two, coffee experts theorize that peaberry coffee beans contain a stronger flavor and possibly even more caffeine. The expectation is that if a particular coffee variety/ origin is really good, the peaberry will be as good if not better.
How Do They Separate Peaberries?
Coffee farmers do not select for peaberry varieties and have particular growing lots where only peaberry coffees grow. Coffee workers separate peaberries from regular coffee beans only after they are processed (after removing the coffee fruit and drying the coffee beans.) Depending on the mill, peaberries might be sorted mechanically, based on size, weight, and density, or by hand.
Where Can You Get a Peaberry Coffee?
We often offer peaberry coffees as part of our rotating limited offer specials, but you can get Tanzania Peaberry from us all the time. Our Tanzania Peaberry is a medium roast with a robust flavor and a rich, wine-like acidity.
