Coffee culture

So Many Types of Coffee Beans - What Are the Characteristics of Arabica Coffee

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information. Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Coffee Bean Varieties. Coffee trees are flowering plants belonging to the Rubiaceae family and Coffea genus, with approximately 120 species currently known, ranging in form from small shrubs to 18-meter tall trees. Wild Coffea species grow irregularly in tropical regions, and new species continue to be discovered.

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FrontStreet Coffee - Coffee Bean Varieties Introduction

Coffee trees are flowering plants of the Rubiaceae family, genus Coffea. Currently, there are about 120 species, ranging from small shrubs to 18-meter-high trees. Wild Coffea species grow irregularly in tropical regions, and new species continue to be discovered. Strictly speaking, only two main species of Coffea are commercially cultivated for coffee production: Arabica coffee and Canephora coffee (commonly known as "Robusta coffee"). However, a few countries like the Philippines have planted a third species, Liberica coffee, to meet domestic coffee consumption needs.

Biologically speaking, coffee varieties can be divided into Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. The main varieties consumed worldwide are Arabica and Robusta, while Liberica is often overlooked due to limited production or inferior quality.

Arabica Varieties

Typica can be regarded as the ancestor of the Arabica family, being the original variety of Arabica. It is very fragrant with floral notes, characterized by light citrus-like acidity and gentle aromas.

Bourbon is also considered one of the original Arabica varieties, but it's a mutation of Typica. If Bourbon and Typica were compared to twin brothers, Typica would be the older brother and Bourbon the younger, born just a few seconds later. Bourbon carries rich aromas and complex layered acidity.

Geisha is the talented scholar of the family, with very low production and is an extremely precious variety. It is characterized by intense aromas and refreshing acidity, with its distinctive flavor attracting much attention.

Caturra is Bourbon's younger brother, smaller in stature, representing dwarf Bourbon mutations. It grows at high altitudes and has light acidity and body.

Mundo Novo is the child of Bourbon and Mandheling, a hybrid variety of Bourbon and Mandheling. It has strong environmental adaptability and outstanding flavor balance.

CATURRA: Produced at high altitudes, with light acidity and body, but the acidity is somewhat monotonous compared to the original species.

Due to the formidable influence of the Arabica family, there are many other mutant and collateral varieties that won't be listed here one by one.

Knowledge Point

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

In Brief

FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research hall, happy to share coffee knowledge with everyone. Our unrestrained sharing is only to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three low-discount coffee events every month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest price. This has been our mission for the past 6 years!

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