French Coffee – First of all, there is no such thing. Coffee grows in a band of coastal and mountainous nations that reside closest to the Equator. Places like India, Brazil and Kenya which are as exotic and mysterious as the flavor of coffee itself. Each location has a unique signature that is sometimes subtle and sometimes very powerful. When blended they often give a balanced flavor similar to a fine wine.
So what is French Roast ? French Roast is a name given to a particular blend of coffees carefully dark roasted. There is fine line between a French Roast and a burnt cup of joe so, if this is your favored coffee, choose wisely. For a dark roasted coffee that is truly great tasting and properly “nuisance” it is a good idea to seek coffee companies that use hand-picked and hand-sorted beans.
Arabica and Robusta Coffees
There are two main types of coffee: Arabica (uh-RA-bih-kuh) and Robusta. Arabica beans, which account for about 70% of the worlds coffee consumption, grow in mountainous regions. Robusta beans, known for their high levels of caffeine, grows at lower elevations. Robusta coffees have a narrower flavor range and can be described as harsh tasting but, as the name implies they are a robust bean with plentiful harvests and minimal losses due to pest infestations. Arabica beans have a wide flavor range from sweet-soft (thing "chocolate and berries") to sharp-tangy (think "citrus and spice"). They are fragile and must grow in cool, subtropical climates with plenty of moisture, rich soil, shade and sun.
Naturally, the Arabica coffees are far more desirable but a properly blend mix of the two leaves one thirsting for more.
As for location - The islands of Indonesia and the Caribbean as well as Central and South America are known for their Arabatic coffee beans. Brazil and East Africa produce fine Robusta beans as do Vietnam and Thailand.
Top 10 Coffee Producing Nations By Volume 2013
3. Ivory Coast
Characteristics Of Some Of The Worlds Coffees
Coffee was introduced in Brazil by Francisco de Mello Palheta in 1727 from Cayenne, French Guiana. Today Brazil produces over 25% of the world’s coffee and is known for its rich Robusta Blends. Coffee from this region is extremely diverse in balance, tone and flavor each being determined to a large degree by the location and climate of the specific estate.
Guatemala's coffee is primarily grown in three regions of rich volcanic soil - Antigua, Coban and Heuhuetanango. They produce a medium-to-full bodied coffee with a hallmark citrusy note and a complexity of taste. Guatemalan coffee is well suited for business meetings or days when you just need to “get it done”.
Indonesian Coffee Blends
Indonesia is one of the world's largest countries. It is composed of thousands of islands including Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi (or Celebes as it was called). These islands are known for the fine, quality coffees they have grown since the Dutch introduced the coffee plant in the 17th century.
In Indonesia, small farmers produce hand-picked and hand-sorted coffees which are rich, full bodied and mildly acidic. Many age their coffees to further enhance these characteristics.
Costa Rican Coffee
Famous for its sweet Arabica beans, Costa Rican Coffee is known for its quality. Most is grown on predominantly small farms, or fincas , where the farmers take great pride in providing hand-picked beans which are often milled on site. The coffee here is known for its sharp acidity and extraordinary balance of flavors.
Jamaica is famous for its Blue Mountain Coffee, some of the most expensive coffee in the world. Jamaican Coffee Blends are full bodied, rich in flavor and seductively aromatic. When dark roasted it provides a syrupy sweet indulgence with hints of chocolate and tangerine. Many coffee aficionados from around the world find that is possesses all of the characteristics of a perfectly balanced cup of coffee.
Produced high in the Andes Mountains, Colombian coffee is known as some of the finest coffee in the world. The coffee has medium to high acidity and body, and an excellent sensory profile. The beans are best gently roasted and freshly ground.