Coffee Bean Classification Ultimately Boils Down to Two Types: Arabica Coffee Beans with Perfume-like Aroma

FrontStreet Coffee - Coffee Bean Varieties Introduction

Arabica

Originally from Ethiopia, Arabica beans account for 70% of the world's total coffee production. World-renowned coffees such as Blue Mountain and Mocha are almost exclusively Arabica varieties. Arabica trees suit high mountains with a big day-to-night temperature swing, as well as low-humidity, well-drained soil. The ideal altitude range is 500-2000 meters, with higher altitudes giving better quality.

Arabica trees need fertile soil, adequate moisture, and the right balance of sunlight and shade. The variety has poor resistance to pests and diseases, making it susceptible to damage, and its annual yield per unit area is relatively low.

Robusta

Originally from the Congo in Africa, Robusta accounts for approximately 20%-30% of the world's total coffee production. Robusta trees suit lowlands below 500 meters altitude. They are extremely adaptable, able to resist harsh climates and pest infestations. They need minimal manual care during land preparation, weeding, and pruning, and can be left to grow wild, making them easy to cultivate. Their flavor, however, is more bitter and astringent than Arabica's, and their quality is significantly inferior, so they are mostly used to make instant coffee. Coffee sold in most fast-food restaurants is made primarily from Robusta beans. Because of their African origin, most Africans drink Robusta coffee.

Robusta trees have strong resistance to pests and diseases, are less susceptible to agricultural damage, and have higher annual yields per unit area. They can be harvested in large quantities by machine, and production costs are generally lower than for Arabica.

Liberica

Originating from Liberia in Africa, its cultivation history is shorter than the other two varieties, so it is limited to only a few places such as Liberia, Suriname, and Guyana. Its production therefore accounts for less than 5% of the world's total coffee production. Liberica trees suit lowlands below 200 meters altitude, and the beans have an extremely strong aroma and a bitter taste.

Knowledge Point: Robusta beans can not only serve a "price adjustment" role but also enhance the body and richness of coffee.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

To taste what a top Arabica can be, FrontStreet's Jamaica Blue Mountain No. 1 is a fitting choice. Only coffee grown in the designated parts of Jamaica's Blue Mountain range and officially certified can carry the Jamaica Blue Mountain name, and No. 1 is one of its highest grades, judged on bean size, defect rate, and overall quality. FrontStreet's lot comes from the historic Clifton Estate, where coffee has been grown since around 1750, sitting at an average of 4,300 feet (1,310.64 meters). Medium-dark roasted, it shows layered nuts, dark chocolate, cream caramel, and a soft sweetness, with acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and aroma in harmony.

It is also wonderfully versatile. For a pour-over, use a 1:15 to 1:16 ratio, water at 85-88°C, and a medium-coarse grind to highlight the cream, caramel, and nut notes while keeping a soft, bright acidity. For a richer, thicker cup, a moka pot works just as well — a slightly finer grind than pour-over, hot water in the pot, medium-low heat, and off the heat just before the coffee finishes flowing. It holds up beautifully in a latte or flat white too.