February 23, 2017 4 min read

What is Peaberry Reserve Coffee?

Peaberry Coffee: A Comprehensive Guide

Peaberry coffee is a type of coffee bean that is rounder and denser than a traditional flat bean. It is formed when only one side of the coffee cherry is fertilized, instead of the usual two. Peaberry coffee beans are relatively rare, making up only about 5% to 10% of the total coffee harvest.

How is peaberry coffee different from flat bean coffee?

Peaberry coffee beans are different from flat bean coffee in a number of ways. First, they are smaller and denser. This is because the peaberry bean has all of the nutrients from the coffee cherry to itself, instead of having to share them with another bean.

Second, peaberry coffee beans have a different flavor profile than flat bean coffee. Peaberry coffee is often described as being sweeter, brighter, and more complex than flat bean coffee. It can also have a higher caffeine content.

Why is peaberry coffee so special?

There are a few reasons why peaberry coffee is so special. First, it is relatively rare. Peaberry coffee beans make up only a small portion of the total coffee harvest.

Second, peaberry coffee is often said to have a superior flavor to flat bean coffee. This is due to its smaller size, denser texture, and higher nutrient content.

Third, peaberry coffee is often harvested and processed separately from flat bean coffee. This is to ensure that the peaberry beans are not roasted too long, which can make them bitter.

How to choose and brew peaberry coffee

When choosing peaberry coffee, look for beans that are whole and even in color. Avoid beans that are broken or chipped.

To brew peaberry coffee, use a grind that is slightly finer than you would for flat bean coffee. This is because the peaberry beans are denser and take longer to extract.

You can brew peaberry coffee in any type of coffee maker, but a French press or pour-over cone is ideal. These brewing methods allow for a longer extraction time, which will bring out the full flavor of the peaberry beans.

Peaberry coffee recipes

Here are a few recipes for peaberry coffee:

  • Classic Peaberry Coffee:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon peaberry coffee beans, ground medium-coarse
  • 6 ounces hot water

Instructions:

  1. Place the ground coffee beans in the filter of your coffee maker.
  2. Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds and brew according to your coffee maker's instructions.
  3. Enjoy!
  • Peaberry Coffee Latte:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon peaberry coffee beans, ground medium-coarse
  • 6 ounces hot water
  • 6 ounces steamed milk

Instructions:

  1. Brew the peaberry coffee according to the instructions above.
  2. Pour the brewed coffee into a mug and top with steamed milk.
  3. Enjoy!
  • Peaberry Coffee Frappuccino:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon peaberry coffee beans, ground medium-coarse
  • 6 ounces cold water
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Pour the frappuccino into a glass and enjoy!

Conclusion

Peaberry coffee is a rare and delicious type of coffee that is worth seeking out. It has a unique flavor profile that is often described as being sweeter, brighter, and more complex than flat bean coffee. If you are looking for a unique and flavorful coffee experience, I highly recommend trying peaberry coffee.

Here are some additional facts about peaberry coffee:

  • Peaberry coffee is also known as caracol, which is Spanish for "snail."
  • Peaberry coffee beans are often more expensive than flat bean coffee beans due to their rarity.
  • Peaberry coffee beans can be roasted in the same way as flat bean coffee beans, but it is important to be careful not to over-roast them, as this can make them bitter.
  • Peaberry coffee can be enjoyed in any type of coffee drink, but it is especially delicious in espresso-based drinks, such as cappuccinos and lattes.

 

 

Peaberry coffee is considered a natural mutation of the coffee bean inside its cherry. The peaberry coffee beans aresmaller, denser, and rounder than regular flat coffee beans. Although you may hear that Peaberry Coffee beans are found in certain geographical locations, the truth is, peaberry coffee beans are found in every coffee growing region, so the distinction is solely on anatomy. This variation can happen in both robusta coffee beans and arabica coffee beans. 

Peaberry Coffee Cherry

Image Above: Inside Peaberry Coffee Cherry

Why are some Peaberry Coffee Beans called a Reserve Coffee?

It is impossible to tell a coffee bean is a peaberry coffee bean until after it is picked and processed. Once picked and processed these lovely round peaberry coffee beans need to be hand-sorted. Often coffee farmers will have a screen that is sized to filter out the larger flat berries out and maybe a few smaller flat berries will make their way through. This added time to sort out the peaberry coffee bean is one of the reasons they are considered a reserve coffee.

Peaberry coffee beans also tend to roast differently. They are smaller and rounder than a flat berry coffee bean and some say they roll in the roaster easier which affects roasting. The higher coffee bean density may improve heat transfer in the roasting process and it may also require a slower roast. 

Because of this difference in coffee bean density and the slower roast, the Peaberry Reserve Coffee bean tastes different than the flat berry coffee bean from the same crop. Many peaberry coffee fans note that the Peaberry Reserve Coffee has a sweeter and more flavorful taste profile.

Please share your experience of Weaver's Coffee & Tea Peaberry White Label Reserve Coffee on the product page by leaving a review.