What Are the Different Coffee Bean Varieties? An Introduction to Arabica Coffee Beans

Professional coffee knowledge exchange, more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style)

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Coffee Bean Varieties

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

Arabica (Scientific name: Coffea arabica)

Arabica originated from the Abyssinian plateau in Ethiopia (now the Ethiopian plateau). Initially used mainly as medicine, the habit of roasting and drinking was cultivated in the 13th century. It was introduced to Europe via the Arab region in the 16th century, subsequently becoming a beverage beloved 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 low resistance to drought, frost, pests, and diseases, particularly being vulnerable to coffee's natural enemy - leaf rust disease.

Major growing regions for Arabica coffee beans include South America (except parts of Argentina and Brazil), Central America, Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, and other East African countries), and Asia (including parts of Yemen, India, and Papua New Guinea).

Subspecies of Arabica include Typica and Bourbon, which are commonly used beans for specialty coffee.

Robusta (Scientific name: Coffea robusta Linden)

Discovered in the Congo region of Africa, this variety is resistant to leaf rust disease and 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 - just 2%-3% in a coffee blend can make the entire cup taste like Robusta. Its flavor is so distinctive and intense that direct consumption requires careful consideration. It is generally used for 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%.

Major producing countries include Indonesia, Vietnam, and West African countries centered around Côte d'Ivoire, Algeria, and Angola. In recent years, Vietnam has been particularly dedicated to joining the ranks of major coffee-producing countries.

Liberica (Scientific name: Coffea Liberica)

West Africa is the origin of Liberica coffee. It has strong adaptability to various environments, whether high or low temperatures, humid or dry conditions. However, it is not resistant to leaf rust disease, and its flavor is inferior to Arabica. Therefore, it is only traded domestically in some West African countries (Libya, Côte d'Ivoire, 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, while 35% is Robusta. Arabica beans are characterized by their slender, flat shape, while Robusta beans are more rounded, making them easily distinguishable by appearance.

Knowledge Point

Robusta coffee beans can not only serve as a "price adjustment" role but also enhance the body of coffee.

In Summary

FrontStreet Coffee is a specialty coffee research hall dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. Our unconditional sharing is aimed at helping more friends fall in love with coffee. We hold three discounted coffee events every month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past six years!

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473