A peaberry is a type of coffee bean that grows as a single, round seed inside the coffee cherry fruit, rather than the usual two flat-sided beans. Typically, coffee cherries contain two beans side by side, but in about 5% of coffee cherries, only one of the two seeds is fertilized, resulting in a peaberry.
Peaberries are often considered to have a more concentrated flavor than regular coffee beans, as some believe that the nutrients that would have gone into two beans are concentrated into one. They are also said to roast more evenly due to their rounder shape.
Peaberry coffee beans are often sorted and sold separately due to their unique characteristics, and they are considered a delicacy by some coffee aficionados. They are particularly popular in regions like Tanzania and Kenya, where they are often prized for their distinctive flavor profiles.
Why Is Peaberry Very Expensive?
Peaberry coffee beans are considered rare and often more expensive than regular coffee beans for a few reasons:
Rareness: Peaberry beans are a natural mutation that occurs in about 5% of coffee cherries, where only one bean develops inside the cherry instead of the usual two. This rarity makes them more valuable and sought after by coffee enthusiasts.
Flavor: Peaberry beans are often said to have a more concentrated flavor profile compared to regular beans from the same crop. They are believed to be smoother, more aromatic, and to have a more intense flavor, which can make them desirable to those who appreciate a high-quality cup of coffee.
Sorting Process: Due to their unique shape and size, peaberry beans need to be separated from regular coffee beans during processing. This extra step in the sorting process can add to the cost of production, making peaberry coffee more expensive.
Demand: The rarity and perceived superior flavor of peaberry beans contribute to their higher demand in the market. When demand exceeds supply, prices tend to rise.
Overall, the combination of rarity, unique flavor profile, additional processing steps, and high demand all contribute to the higher price of peaberry coffee beans compared to regular coffee beans.