How to Distinguish Arabica Coffee Beans by Appearance - A Guide to the Rich Varieties of Arabica Coffee

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

Introduction to Arabica Varieties by FrontStreet Coffee

Arabica (scientific name: Coffee arabica, English: Coffee Arabica), also known as Arabian coffee, is an indigenous coffee species native to the Abyssinian plateau of Ethiopia (now the Ethiopian highlands). According to research, it was the first coffee variety cultivated by humans and remains one of the most important coffee species, accounting for 70% of global coffee consumption. This variety has been cultivated in the southwestern Arabian Peninsula for over 1,000 years and was introduced to Europe through the Arab world in the 16th century, becoming a beloved beverage worldwide.

The Arabica Coffee Tree

Originating from Ethiopia, the Arabica coffee tree produces coffee beans that account for 70% of the world's total production. World-renowned coffees such as Blue Mountain Coffee and Mocha Coffee are almost exclusively of the Arabica variety. Arabica coffee trees thrive in high-altitude mountains with significant day-night temperature differences, as well as in low-humidity, well-drained soil. The ideal altitude ranges from 500 to 2,000 meters, with higher elevations producing better quality beans. However, due to weaker resistance to pests and diseases, they are more challenging to cultivate than other coffee tree varieties.

Characteristics: More cold-resistant, suitable for growing temperatures between 15-24°C;

Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica, also known as small-grained coffee beans, originates from Ethiopia. Coffee cultivation conditions are relatively demanding, with weaker disease resistance, higher altitude requirements, slower growth, but higher quality and more refined raw bean processing.

The Arabica coffee tree is a relatively large shrub with elliptical, dark green leaves. The fruits are also elliptical, typically containing two slightly flattened beans. The front side is oblong-elliptical with a narrow, curved S-shaped crack in the middle, while the back of the bean has a relatively smooth arc shape. Caffeine content is approximately 0.8%-1.5%.

It grows in cooler, high-altitude tropical regions and is an important commercial coffee variety. It bears fruit within three years and offers excellent aroma and acidity. Arabica coffee beans originate from Ethiopia and are primarily produced in South America (excluding parts of Argentina and Brazil), Central America, Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, and other East African countries), and Asia (parts of Yemen, India, and Papua New Guinea).

Flavor Characteristics

In terms of composition, Arabica coffee has lower caffeine content, approximately 0.9% to 1.2%, while its fat and sugar content is quite rich. This results in a gentle, non-irritating aroma with a fresh, slightly sweet taste. It possesses diverse and extensive potential flavor profiles. Arabica coffee produced in different regions, at various altitudes, and under different climatic conditions typically exhibits unique characteristics, showcasing distinctly different flavor personalities. Unroasted Arabica coffee has a fresh, grass-like aroma, while proper roasting reveals "fruity notes" (medium-light roast) and "caramel sweetness" (dark roast).

Arabica Varietal Family: Ethiopian heirloom varieties, Typica, Bourbon, Catura, Pacas, Villa Sarchi, Maragogype, Pacamara, Mundo Novo, Catuai, Geisha, Timor, Catimor

Knowledge Point: Robusta is cultivated at altitudes below 800 meters. Robusta has extremely strong adaptability and higher resistance to pests and diseases.

Conclusion

In short, FrontStreet Coffee is a dedicated coffee research establishment that enjoys sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation simply because we want more friends to fall in love with coffee. Each month, we hold three low-discount coffee events 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