Complete Guide to Coffee Bean Varieties: Typica - The World-Famous Coffee Bean

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to the Three Major Coffee Varieties

There are about 40 species in the Coffea genus, but only three can produce coffee beans with commercial value: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. These three are known as the "three major native coffee species."

1. Arabica (Scientific name: Coffea arabica)

The origin of Arabica is the Abyssinian Plateau in Ethiopia (now the Ethiopian Plateau). Initially used mainly as medicine, the habit of roasting and drinking was developed in the 13th century. It was introduced to Europe via the Arab region in the 16th century and subsequently became a beverage loved by people worldwide. Among all coffees, Arabica accounts for 75%-80%. Its excellent flavor and aroma make it the only coffee among these native species that can be consumed directly. However, it has too low resistance to drought, frost, pests, and diseases, especially to coffee's natural enemy - leaf rust disease.

Arabica coffee beans are mainly produced in South America (except for parts of Argentina and Brazil), Central America, Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, and other places, mainly East African countries), and Asia (including parts of Yemen, India, and Papua New Guinea).

2. Robusta (Scientific name: Coffea robusta Linden)

Discovered in the Congo, Africa, this leaf rust-resistant variety has stronger disease resistance than Arabica. The high-temperature, humid regions unsuitable for Arabica coffee growth are where Robusta coffee thrives. Robusta has a unique aroma and bitterness; even just 2%-3% in a coffee blend makes the entire cup taste like Robusta. Its flavor is so distinct and intense that you might want to consider carefully before tasting it directly. It is generally used in industrial coffee production such as instant coffee, canned coffee, and liquid coffee. Its caffeine content is about 3.2%, much higher than Arabica's 1.5%.

The main producing countries are Indonesia, Vietnam, and West African countries centered around Ivory Coast, Algeria, and Angola. In recent years, Vietnam has been striving to join the ranks of major coffee-producing countries.

3. Liberica (Scientific name: Coffea liberica)

West Africa is the origin of Liberica coffee. It has strong adaptability to various environments, whether high or low temperature, humid or dry, but it is not resistant to leaf rust disease. Its flavor is also inferior to Arabica, so it is only traded domestically in some West African countries (Liberia, Ivory Coast, etc.) or cultivated for research purposes.

According to ICO (International Coffee Organization) statistics, excluding domestic transactions in coffee-producing countries, about 65% of coffee circulating in the world market is Arabica, and 35% is Robusta. Arabica beans are characterized by their slender, flat shape, while Robusta beans are more rounded, making them easily distinguishable by appearance.

Typica is the earliest and most important coffee variety, having existed for centuries and giving rise to many other varieties. Notable typical varieties include Java, Elephant Bean, and Timor Hybrid. This variety is widely grown in Central America, Jamaica, and Asia. It is characterized by low yield, high quality, and susceptibility to rust and pests. Its flavor is often described as clean, sweet, and acidic. World-renowned coffees such as Blue Mountain and Kona are both Typica varieties.

Knowledge Point

Coffee beans are the form that best preserves the complete flavor of coffee, ensuring freshness and original taste.

In summary: FrontStreet Coffee is a specialty coffee research center that enjoys sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation only to let more friends fall in love with coffee. Every month, we hold three low-discount coffee events because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past 6 years!

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