Peaberry

A peaberry is a type of coffee bean that develops inside the coffee cherry as a single, round seed rather than the usual two flat-sided beans. This occurs in roughly 5% of coffee harvests, although the percentage can vary significantly based on the coffee varietal and growing conditions.

The formation of a peaberry is considered a mutation or anomaly. During fertilization, for unknown reasons, only one ovule is fertilized within the coffee cherry, leading to the development of a single, rounded bean.

Proponents of peaberry coffee often claim that the single bean receives all the nutrients usually divided between two beans, resulting in a more concentrated flavor. They also suggest that the rounded shape allows the beans to roll more evenly during roasting, leading to a more consistent roast. However, these claims are debated within the coffee industry, and scientific evidence supporting these benefits remains limited.

Peaberry coffee is typically separated from regular coffee beans during the sorting process, either manually or using mechanical separators designed to distinguish based on size and shape. Because of its relative rarity and perceived unique qualities, peaberry coffee is often marketed as a specialty coffee and may command a higher price.

The term "peaberry" is applied to coffee beans from various origins and varietals. It's not a specific coffee varietal itself, but rather a description of the bean's physical characteristic.