Brian Gumm who is the Founder at Ross Street Roasting Co explains that coffee is grown on shrubs/small trees, and coffee “beans” are not technically beans at all.
They are the seed of the cherries that grow on coffee trees. A normal cherry contains within it two seeds that have a flat face and a round face.
The flat face is where the two seeds grew against each other, where the round face is the side that faces toward the outside of the cherry.
Peaberry coffee is the result of a genetic mutation when the cherry is growing, where only a single seed forms within the cherry.
With no “competition” from another seed, the overall shape of the seed’s cherry is more generally round. It also tends to be a bit smaller in size and denser than cherries from the same tree that developed “normally.”
This mutation normally happens in 3-5% of each crop.
Where does peaberry coffee come from?
Peaberry coffee can originate from all over the world like regular coffee.
Many countries don’t see the value in hand sorting the beans and effectively picking out the mutated peaberry coffee beans so it will all get lumped into one bag.
Take a look at your bag of coffee beans and I’m sure you will be able to find a peaberry.
Did you know that there can also be three seeds that fit together like orange slices — a less useful condition than the peaberry informs Andrew Hetzel of Coffee Strategies. The weight is so low with each, they char in the roaster.
So what can you expect peaberry coffee to taste like?
Gumm continues that as a smaller, denser coffee bean you can expect peaberry coffee to have flavour characteristics that are slightly different from whatever “normal” beans came off the same tree.
Flavour notes can be a bit more intense, but not dramatically so.
There are many however that believe the flavour to be no different to your regular cup of coffee and that peaberry coffee is merely a myth.
What is the best way to brew peaberry coffee?
Here at Batch we love all types of brew methods from silky and velvety espresso to bright and juicy filter coffee.
Peaberry for us is best served as a long black coffee preferably filtered through paper, but some origins of peaberry allow for a more intense brew method like stovetop or cafetiere.
Find out which coffee beans our team of industry professionals loved the most.
I personally remember a truly memorable naturally processed Brazilian peaberry that I brewed as a batch brew in the morning and would somehow get better throughout the day.
Heather Calatrello from Shed Light Coffee has sampled several different peaberry coffee roasts and brewed them using pour over, French press, and even espresso but found very little difference overall between the peaberry and the regular coffee beans.
Why is peaberry so expensive?
Like many other unique and fashionable products prices can soar as popularity increases.
Brian Abernathy founder of Grumpy Goat Coffee explains that his roastery charges the same price for peaberry coffee as any other origin they offer as they do not want price to be a deterrent to people trying new coffee.
High quality peaberry coffee does not have to be expensive. Price is heavily driven by supply and demand and quality of the coffee beans.
They do tend to be slightly pricier on account of both their more limited quantity (since peaberries occur in a smaller percentage of coffee overall) and the labor involved in sorting them out.
And just because a coffee beans are expensive does not necessarily mean that it is graded “gourmet” or “speciality.” It’s just unique because there is not a lot available in the market.
That all said many roasters will slap a premium on these products because of the perceived value of peaberry coffee and while some do fetch a greater wholesale cost it may not reflect the difference in retail price.
How to roast peaberry coffee?
Roasting Peaberry coffee can be a little tricky. The beans are naturally dense and can easily burn, requiring slightly less heat, too little heat though and you’re in danger of effectively baking the beans resulting in a flat and dull tasting coffee.
What is the best peaberry coffee?
The best peaberry coffee is a little hard to answer as there are almost too many variables from farm to cup.
First of all, the coffee roaster that you purchase your beans from is extremely important.
If you already like the roasting style of a particular roaster then there is a good chance that you will enjoy their peaberry coffee.
Mission Coffee Works Kenya Peaberry.
Secondly origin and the particular type of coffee is equally as if not more so important.
I have tried peaberry coffee from all over the world and never been disappointed.
Kenya and Tanzania peaberry coffee are highly sought after for their unique flavours however regular coffee is also high quality in these two countries.
Is peaberry arabica or robusta?
Peaberry coffee is a natural mutation in arabica and robusta coffee varietals. It also occurs in the other lesser known varietals of coffee.
Can you buy peaberry coffee at the supermarket?
Brian Gumm of Ross Street Roasting Co carries on to explain that as a product, peaberry coffee is the result of growers separating peaberries from all the “normal” seeds/beans, packaging them together, and selling them to roasters for peaberry-specific product offerings.
This practice isn’t pervasive, which is why you don’t often see peaberry coffees sold in the consumer market.
Where can you buy peaberry?
As always with speciality coffee we would always recommended checking out your local coffee roaster.
If they don’t happen to have a peaberry on they will be able to recommend another roaster that you can try. It’s not something that you will find on every coffee menu and you may have to try a few coffee roasters.
Does peaberry coffee have more caffeine?
There is slightly more caffeine in peaberry coffee than in regular coffee according to the book Caffeine and Activation Theory.
A particular peaberry coffee bean that the study observed had around 13% more caffeine than a regular coffee bean.
Is peaberry coffee less acidic?
Peaberry coffee is not necessarily less acidic than regular coffee. The acidity of coffee depends on several factors, including the origin, roast level, and brewing method, among others.
Peaberry coffee beans are simply a type of coffee bean that are slightly rounder and smaller than regular coffee beans, and they develop differently in the coffee cherry due to the fact that they grow alone in the cherry, rather than with another bean.
Some people believe that peaberry coffee is less acidic and smoother than regular coffee due to its shape and the way it grows, but this can vary depending on the specific coffee bean and other factors.
In general, the acidity of coffee is a desirable characteristic, as it contributes to the coffee’s brightness and complexity of flavor.
However, some people with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux may find that lower acid coffee options, such as cold brew or darker roasts, are easier on their digestive system.
How rare is Peaberry Coffee?
Peaberry coffee is relatively rare, accounting for only about 5% of coffee beans produced worldwide.
In a coffee cherry, there are normally two beans that develop with flat sides facing each other.
However, in about 5% of coffee cherries, only one of the beans is fertilized, resulting in a single, rounder, and denser peaberry bean.
While peaberry coffee is considered a specialty coffee due to its unique shape and distinct flavor profile, not all coffee-producing regions or varieties of coffee produce peaberry beans.
Some regions, such as Tanzania and Hawaii, are known for their high-quality peaberry coffee, while in other regions, peaberry beans may be more rare and sought after.
However, it’s important to note that the quality of coffee is not solely determined by whether it is a peaberry or regular bean, but by a combination of factors such as the coffee variety, processing method, and roasting technique.
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Discover the UK’s finest speciality coffees, curated by us – the coffee professionals. Each delivery is completely different so you sample two new coffees, roasters and flavours in every box.
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Each coffee subscription box contains 2 x 200g bags of world-class speciality coffee, carefully curated to showcase exceptional quality and flavour profiles.
Our coffee club features 2 different independent coffee roasters in each box.
Your first coffee subscription delivery includes a free flavour wheel and brew guide, providing essential tools to enhance your coffee club journey.
All coffee featured in our coffee subscription is ethically sourced and Fairtrade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for growers worldwide.
Our coffee club uses completely compostable packaging, making your coffee club experience environmentally responsible whilst protecting the freshness and quality of your speciality coffee beans.
We Dispatch Every 2 Weeks. The next dispatch is highlighted in the purple announcement bar above.
If you can’t wait that long drop us an email via our contact form below and we’ll send you some coffee asap. You can find all past and future dispatch dates here
Which postal companies do you use for shipping? We use Royal Mail and occasionally other courier services such as DPD, Evri or UPS.
How much coffee is in a BATCH box? Each Batch box contains 2 bags of speciality coffee.
How much coffee is in each bag? Each bag of coffee contains 200g of coffee. You will receive 2 bags with each box so you can taste and compare between the two.
How is the coffee packaged? We are plastic-free. Our bags and boxes are fully made out of organic material and re both fully compostable.Learn more about our Coffee Packaging.
Is your coffee organic fair trade? All of the coffee that we use in our subscription boxes is fair trade (as every product should be). While some of the coffee that we use may not always be “certified” organic, we have seen first-hand many farms are in fact organic but cannot afford to pay for the certification.
Do you provide information about the farms and producers Yes! Each coffee subscription box includes detailed information about the coffee farms, the producers, and the regions where your coffee was grown. We believe in transparency and want you to know the story behind every cup you brew.
What happens if I don’t like one of the coffees in my box? We understand that taste preferences vary! If you’re not satisfied with a particular coffee, please get in touch with our customer service team via our contact page.
COFFEEQUIZ25 will give you 25% off your first box 😊
Discover the UK’s finest speciality decaf coffees, curated by us – the coffee professionals. Each delivery is completely different so you sample two new decaf coffees, roasters and flavours in every box.
Ethically sourced, world-class decaf in compostable packaging – it doesn’t get better than this!
Each coffee subscription box contains 2 x 200g bags of world-class speciality coffee, carefully curated to showcase exceptional quality and flavour profiles.
Our coffee club features 2 different independent coffee roasters in each box.
Your first coffee subscription delivery includes a free flavour wheel and brew guide, providing essential tools to enhance your coffee club journey.
All coffee featured in our coffee subscription is ethically sourced and Fairtrade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for growers worldwide.
Our coffee club uses completely compostable packaging, making your coffee club experience environmentally responsible whilst protecting the freshness and quality of your speciality coffee beans.
We Dispatch Every 2 Weeks. The next dispatch is highlighted in the purple announcement bar above.
If you can’t wait that long drop us an email via our contact form below and we’ll send you some coffee asap. You can find all past and future dispatch dates here
Which postal companies do you use for shipping? We use Royal Mail and occasionally other courier services such as DPD, Evri or UPS.
How much coffee is in a BATCH box? Each Batch box contains 2 bags of speciality coffee.
How much coffee is in each bag? Each bag of coffee contains 200g of coffee. You will receive 2 bags with each box so you can taste and compare between the two.
How is the coffee packaged? We are plastic-free. Our bags and boxes are fully made out of organic material and re both fully compostable.Learn more about our Coffee Packaging.
Is your coffee organic fair trade? All of the coffee that we use in our subscription boxes is fair trade (as every product should be). While some of the coffee that we use may not always be “certified” organic, we have seen first-hand many farms are in fact organic but cannot afford to pay for the certification.
Do you provide information about the farms and producers Yes! Each coffee subscription box includes detailed information about the coffee farms, the producers, and the regions where your coffee was grown. We believe in transparency and want you to know the story behind every cup you brew.
What happens if I don’t like one of the coffees in my box? We understand that taste preferences vary! If you’re not satisfied with a particular coffee, please get in touch with our customer service team via our contact page.
COFFEEQUIZ25 will give you 25% off your first box 😊
Discover the UK’s finest speciality coffees, curated by us – the coffee professionals. Each delivery is completely different so you sample two new coffees, roasters and flavours in every box.
Ethically sourced, world-class coffee in compostable packaging – it doesn’t get better than this!
3 BOX PACKAGE – £19.50 per box
6 BOX PACKAGE – £17.99 per box – (Most Popular)
12 BOX PACKAGE – £17.50 per box – (Best Value)
Each coffee subscription box contains 2 x 200g bags of world-class speciality coffee, carefully curated to showcase exceptional quality and flavour profiles.
Our coffee club features 2 different independent coffee roasters in each box.
Your first coffee subscription delivery includes a free flavour wheel and brew guide, providing essential tools to enhance your coffee club journey.
All coffee featured in our coffee subscription is ethically sourced and Fairtrade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for growers worldwide.
Our coffee club uses completely compostable packaging, making your coffee club experience environmentally responsible whilst protecting the freshness and quality of your speciality coffee beans.
We Dispatch Every 2 Weeks. The next dispatch is highlighted in the purple announcement bar above.
If you can’t wait that long drop us an email via our contact form below and we’ll send you some coffee asap. You can find all past and future dispatch dates here
Which postal companies do you use for shipping? We use Royal Mail and occasionally other courier services such as DPD, Evri or UPS.
How much coffee is in a BATCH box? Each Batch box contains 2 bags of speciality coffee.
How much coffee is in each bag? Each bag of coffee contains 200g of coffee. You will receive 2 bags with each box so you can taste and compare between the two.
How is the coffee packaged? We are plastic-free. Our bags and boxes are fully made out of organic material and re both fully compostable.Learn more about our Coffee Packaging.
Is your coffee organic fair trade? All of the coffee that we use in our subscription boxes is fair trade (as every product should be). While some of the coffee that we use may not always be “certified” organic, we have seen first-hand many farms are in fact organic but cannot afford to pay for the certification.
Do you provide information about the farms and producers Yes! Each coffee subscription box includes detailed information about the coffee farms, the producers, and the regions where your coffee was grown. We believe in transparency and want you to know the story behind every cup you brew.
What happens if I don’t like one of the coffees in my box? We understand that taste preferences vary! If you’re not satisfied with a particular coffee, please get in touch with our customer service team via our contact page.
The Batch seasonal espresso blend is a great choice for home baristas seeking consistently and expertly roasted coffee beans.
These beans produce a well-balanced, full-bodied espresso that shines whether enjoyed black as an espresso or Americano, or when cutting through milk-based drinks with distinctive character.
Each coffee subscription box contains 2 x 200g bags of world-class speciality coffee, carefully curated to showcase exceptional quality and flavour profiles.
Our coffee club features 2 different independent coffee roasters in each box.
Your first coffee subscription delivery includes a free flavour wheel and brew guide, providing essential tools to enhance your coffee club journey.
All coffee featured in our coffee subscription is ethically sourced and Fairtrade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for growers worldwide.
Our coffee club uses completely compostable packaging, making your coffee club experience environmentally responsible whilst protecting the freshness and quality of your speciality coffee beans.
We Dispatch Every 2 Weeks. The next dispatch is highlighted in the purple announcement bar above.
If you can’t wait that long drop us an email via our contact form below and we’ll send you some coffee asap. You can find all past and future dispatch dates here
Which postal companies do you use for shipping? We use Royal Mail and occasionally other courier services such as DPD, Evri or UPS.
How much coffee is in a BATCH box? Each Batch box contains 2 bags of speciality coffee.
How much coffee is in each bag? Each bag of coffee contains 200g of coffee. You will receive 2 bags with each box so you can taste and compare between the two.
How is the coffee packaged? We are plastic-free. Our bags and boxes are fully made out of organic material and re both fully compostable.Learn more about our Coffee Packaging.
Is your coffee organic fair trade? All of the coffee that we use in our subscription boxes is fair trade (as every product should be). While some of the coffee that we use may not always be “certified” organic, we have seen first-hand many farms are in fact organic but cannot afford to pay for the certification.
Do you provide information about the farms and producers Yes! Each coffee subscription box includes detailed information about the coffee farms, the producers, and the regions where your coffee was grown. We believe in transparency and want you to know the story behind every cup you brew.
What happens if I don’t like one of the coffees in my box? We understand that taste preferences vary! If you’re not satisfied with a particular coffee, please get in touch with our customer service team via our contact page.
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