We use Arabica shade-grown coffee that has about 75mg of caffeine per serving. The average cup in a chain store is up to 120 mg.
Shade-grown Arabica coffee tends to have lower caffeine levels naturally due to its slower growth in shaded conditions. The reduced exposure to sunlight leads to a longer maturation process for the coffee beans, allowing them to develop more sugars and complex compounds. As a result, the slower growth often correlates with lower caffeine content, creating a smoother, less bitter cup of coffee compared to sun-grown varieties. The shade not only influences caffeine levels but also contributes to the nuanced flavors and aromas associated with high-quality Arabica coffee.
It also tends to be lower in acidity due to the slower ripening process of coffee beans in shaded conditions. The shade protects the coffee cherries from direct sunlight, allowing them to mature more gradually. This slow development results in beans with lower acidity levels, as the sugars have more time to fully develop and balance out the natural acids. In contrast, coffee beans grown in direct sunlight, as is common in sun cultivation, may mature more quickly, leading to higher acidity levels. The shaded environment contributes to a smoother, milder flavor profile in shade-grown coffee.