The Ultimate Guide to Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee, classified as part of the Coffea arabica species, is renowned for its smooth and rich flavor. A closer look at the coffee plant makes it fascinating to see how these beans are brewed into the fresh, aromatic drink that many of us rely on to kick-start our day. It’s a journey from a coffee plant to your coffee cup steeped in tradition and innovation.

What are Arabica Coffee Beans?

Arabica plants thrive best at higher elevations, around 900-ish meters above sea level. They are somewhat picky about their environment, requiring careful attention to soil nutrition, climate patterns, and pruning. 

This tends to make their cultivation more labor-intensive compared to other species like Robusta. Interestingly, Arabica coffee has just about half or even a third of the caffeine content found in Robusta, with a percentage varying from 0.8 to 1.5%.

Around 70 percent of the world’s coffee production is Arabica species. For those who seek a particular kind of flavor, a 100% Arabica blend or one with a high percentage of Arabica is ideal. This makes it an interesting choice for both everyday coffee lovers and connoisseurs alike, emphasizing why it remains so profoundly entrenched as a favorite among coffee drinkers.

What Does Arabica Coffee Taste Like?

Arabica coffee is celebrated for its slightly sweet taste that harmonizes floral notes and fruity, berry aromas. The unique flavor profiles of these beans are greatly influenced by their origin and the specific region where they are grown. Each region contributes its distinct touch, making every batch of Arabica coffee subtly different from the next.

The roasting process plays a crucial role in defining these characteristics. A lighter roast will place a stronger emphasis on the fruity aspects of the coffee while reducing the bitterness often found in darker roasts. 

This makes the taste generally more pleasant for those who favor a milder and more aromatic cup. The overall intensity of both taste and aroma is determined by the degree of roasting, ensuring that each sip reflects the thorough craftsmanship behind it.

What Types of Arabica Coffee Beans Exist?

Following are some types of Arabica Coffee Beans that are popular among the coffee lovers:

Ethiopian landraces

Ethiopian landraces are deeply rooted in the lush forests of Ethiopia, where they have evolved over centuries. These varieties of C. arabica coffee are adapted to the local environment and are culturally significant. Over time, they have become a cornerstone of traditional agriculture in Ethiopia. 

Landrace coffee plants are domesticated, yet retain natural genetic traits that contribute to their very high cup quality but lower yields than commercially cultivated coffees. This domestication process has been largely human-led, fostering a unique adaptation within isolated populations that are a testament to Ethiopia’s rich coffee heritage.

Typica

The Typica variety of Arabica coffee is a prototype developed into many other varieties. Grown in various regions, this variety is noted for its distinctive tree structure. The tree features a main stem with side stems that lean outwards. Branches extend from the stem at a 50-70 degree angle, creating a tall, conical shape. Although it has low yields, the beans produced are of high quality with an excellent flavor.

This type of coffee bean stands out due to its quality-over-quantity approach. Even with lesser yields, the beans are cherished for their rich and excellent flavor profile, making them a favorite among coffee connoisseurs globally. This characteristic shape and structure contribute to its aesthetic appeal and ability to produce a consistent and high-quality coffee experience.

The Bourbon Substrain

Bourbon, a notable sub-strain of Arabica coffee, was developed by the French in 1708 on Bourbon Island in the Indian Ocean. This strain is closely related to Typica, another Arabica variant, from which Bourbon evolved. Characterized by their broader leaves and larger cherries, Bourbon plants are distinguishable by their conical tree shape, mirroring Typica.

What sets Bourbon apart is not just its historical roots but its agricultural performance. Capable of producing a 20-30% higher yield than Typica, Bourbon offers a smoother taste that appeals to coffee enthusiasts globally, enhancing its popularity and cultivation.

The Caturra Strain

Caturra is a modified strain of Arabica coffee derived from Bourbon. It was discovered in Brazil and named after the city where it was found. Notably, Caturra thrives best in Colombia and southern America, where its cultivation requires careful attention due to its unique growing needs.

This strain produces bright-tasting, roasted coffee with wider leaves and pronounced edges. Despite yielding higher than Bourbon, Caturra has a milder taste. 

The Mundo Novo Hybrid

Mundo Novo is a hybrid strain of Arabica coffee, created in 1940 through the crossing of Bourbon and Typica varieties. Known for its high yield and resistance to diseases, Mundo Novo has become a favored choice among coffee growers. This variety stands out for its robustness and the ability to thrive in diverse conditions.

The process of harvesting Mundo Novo typically takes longer than other strains, but the wait is worthwhile given its substantial output and disease resilience. 

Exploring Catuai

Catuai, a strain of Arabica coffee, is a cross between Caturra and Mundo Novo. These plants are characterized by their short, dense stature, making them ideal for certain farming setups. They yield well, but this is contingent on providing careful maintenance and high-quality fertilizer to ensure optimal growth and health.

Catuai is notable for producing cherries that can be either yellow or red, each offering a distinct flavor profile resembling fruits. This fruity essence makes Catuai a favorite among those who prefer a sweeter, more vibrant coffee experience. The demand for careful cultivation efforts is rewarded with a uniquely flavorful cup of coffee.

The Blue Mountain Variety

Blue Mountain is a prestigious variety of Arabica coffee grown predominantly in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. It is a sub-strain of Typica, renowned for its excellent resistance to coffee leaf rust. This variety thrives in high-altitude regions, which contributes significantly to its unique flavor profile.

The Geisha/Gesha Variety

The Geisha (or Gesha) variety of Arabica coffee carries a name that signifies prestige, making it highly sought after in the market. Its beans are elongated with a slightly pointed tip, and the branches near the top are more slanted compared to other strains. This structural uniqueness contributes to its distinctiveness.

When ripe, Geisha/Gesha beans offer a distinct taste and aroma. The flavor is richly pronounced, combining fruity and floral notes, which make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced and complex profiles.

Brew of Arabica Coffee Beans

To maintain the full-bodied flavor of Arabica coffee, various methods to brew are employed. Among them, Drip brewing stands out as a popular choice. This technique is favored for its ability to extract bold flavors while retaining the coffee’s inherent smoothness and aroma. It is appreciated for delivering consistent results and ease of use.

Enjoying Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee is known for its rich and smooth flavor, making it suitable for a variety of hot recipes such as cappuccinos, lungo, lattes, and mochas. Its mild taste enhances the drinking experience, whether in black or milk-based beverages. Additionally, this versatile bean can be used to create refreshing iced coffee drinks, offering a unique and enjoyable flavor profile that appeals to coffee lovers around the world.

Benefits of Drinking Arabica Coffee

• Derived from the robust Coffee Arabica plant, this brew offers a safe energy kick with moderate consumption (200-300 mg daily).
• Bursting with antioxidants, Arabica beans combat inflammation and act as a shield against chronic diseases.
• Each cup is a nutrient treasure, providing manganese, niacin, magnesium, and riboflavin to fortify health and overall vitality.
• Composed of Beyond 90% water, Arabica coffee contributes to daily hydration, delivering 116 mg of potassium for effective blood pressure management.
• With zero calories, Arabica coffee aids weight management. Consider adding a touch of healthy fats like coconut oil to enhance metabolism.
• Helps prevent heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
• Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease with its unique properties.
• Combats fatigue, making it a popular energy booster.
• Lowers the risk of certain cancers, thanks to its antioxidant content.
• Alleviates migraine headaches, providing relief to sufferers.
• Reduces inflammation and the risk of developing gout.
• Prevents and relieves asthma symptoms, offering respiratory benefits.
• Guards against Hepatitis B, enhancing liver health.
• Drinking brewed Arabica coffee can help lower blood sugar levels.
• Increasing exercise performance with a caffeine intake of 3-6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight can enhance endurance and stamina during various forms of exercise.

Embracing the Benefits of Arabica Coffee

The versatile Coffee Arabica plant truly unfolds as a provider of natural energy, antioxidants, and vital nutrients that support hydration and weight management. By savoring the goodness of this coffee bean, you can indulge in Arabica’s wholesome benefits and elevate your daily cup. 

Once you know Arabica coffee beans, you may fall in love with their many different types, each variety offering its distinct characteristics that make enjoying this healthful drink a true perk of the day.

FAQs

What is so special about Arabica Coffee?

Arabica beans are often grown at high altitudes in regions with a tropical climate, such as Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. These beans have a smoother, sweeter, and more nuanced flavor compared to other coffee types, featuring delightful notes of fruit, chocolate, nuts, and caramel. 

What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta Coffee?

The appearance is where the main differences between these two species lie. Arabica coffee beans are generally ovular, flat, and a bit oilier compared to Robusta. This makes Arabica taste sweeter with zesty and fruity notes. On the other hand, Robusta beans are slightly smaller and more rounder, giving them a different profile and appeal.

Which Coffee beans are Arabica?

There are many types of Arabica coffee beans that are grown in specific regions around the world. Some of the main Arabica beans include Typica, Bourbon, Ethiopian landraces, Mundo Novo, Caturra, and Catimor. Other well-known varieties are Jackson, Kona, Pacamara, Catuai, Blue Mountain, Geisha, and Villabos.

What is Arabica Bean?

Arabica coffee is made from the beans of the Coffea Arabica plant and originates from Ethiopia. It is the most widely consumed type of coffee in the world, accounting for about 60% of the world’s coffee production. This popularity makes Arabica a global favorite due to its smooth flavor and widespread appeal.

Why is Arabica so expensive?

Arabica plants are much fussier than other types of coffee. They need to be grown at high altitudes in rich soil with just the right balance of sunshine and shade. This specific environment is essential for them to thrive, which ultimately makes Arabica beans more expensive due to the care and conditions they require.

What are 4 types of Coffee beans?

There are four main coffee types—Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica—each with its own radically different taste profiles. While Arabica is known for its smooth and sweet flavor, Robusta has a bolder, stronger taste. On the other hand, Excelsa and Liberica offer unique and diverse flavors that set them apart, adding variety to the world of coffee.