When you go to your local grocery store and look at the coffee, you may have noticed that almost all of the bags say “Arabica Coffee” or “Arabica Beans.” Ever wonder why? There are actually several different types of coffee beans, with Arabica being the most common. This type of coffee makes up between 60% and 70% of all coffee produced around the world, but there are other types that are much less common in the United States.
Most of the time, when we think of how coffee is marketed and put into groups, we think of things like roasting profiles or where the coffee comes from. This information does help you figure out what to expect from a certain coffee, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s time to learn more about the different kinds of coffee and what makes each one special.
When it comes to coffee beans, there are two major varieties that make up the vast majority of global coffee production – Arabica and Robusta. Of these two heavy hitters, Arabica reigns supreme as the most widely grown and consumed coffee bean worldwide.
Here’s a closer look at why Arabica beans dominate the coffee scene and what makes them such a popular pick for growers, roasters, and coffee drinkers alike.
What are Arabica Beans?
Arabica refers to the beans produced by the Coffea Arabica species of the coffee plant Arabica likely originated in the highland regions of southwest Ethiopia before spreading across the globe
Today Arabica is cultivated in over 50 countries across Latin America Africa, Asia, and beyond. Some of the top producers include Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam.
There are numerous varieties of Arabica beans with their own unique characteristics. However in general Arabica beans tend to be larger and oval-shaped, with a signature crease along the flat side.
Why Arabica is the Most Common Coffee Bean
There are several key reasons why Arabica beans dominate global coffee production:
-
Flavor – Arabica beans brew the sweetest, most aromatic coffee prized for fruity, floral notes.
-
High Quality – Arabica has more complexity and depth of flavor compared to other coffee species.
-
Ideal Growing Climate – Arabica thrives in cool high altitude tropical settings found in many coffee regions.
-
Greater Availability – Arabica accounts for about 60% of commercially grown coffee worldwide.
-
Higher Prices – Arabica coffee commands higher market prices than other varieties due to high demand.
-
Consumer Preference – The vast majority of coffee drinkers prefer the taste of Arabica over other types.
Let’s explore some of these reasons further:
Superior Flavor Profile
Of all coffee species, Arabica is prized for its sweet, vibrant taste and wide range of flavors. It exhibits tasting notes like fruit, chocolate, caramel, nuts, and flowers. This aromatic bean simply makes a tastier cup of coffee than other varieties like Robusta.
Many describe Arabica as having a “clean” flavor that is well-balanced rather than bitter or acidic. This smooth, multilayered taste profile appeals to many coffee drinkers.
Grows Best in Prime Coffee Regions
Arabica evolved in the mountainous regions of Ethiopia where the climate was cool, humid, and high in altitude. This set the stage for it to thrive in the ideal coffee growing settings found across the tropics.
The Arabica coffee plant flourishes in subtropical highland environments between 3000-6000 feet above sea level. It needs adequate rainfall and temperatures between 59-75°F to produce the highest quality beans.
Many renowned coffee origins like Costa Rica, Colombia, and Kenya offer these prime Arabica-friendly conditions. So regions producing the most sought-after coffees gravitate towards Arabica.
Sheer Dominance of Supply
Arabica’s natural affinity for so many premium coffee regions has allowed it to achieve market dominance. Approximately 60% of the world’s coffee is Arabica, while Robusta trails at about 40% of global output.
Brazil, the world’s top coffee producer, grows mainly Arabica which greatly skews the scales. Colombia and Ethiopia, other major producers, also grow mostly Arabica.
Due to its widespread availability, Arabica became the default coffee bean that roasters, cafes, and brands utilize. This sheer dominance of supply further propels its popularity.
Higher Prices and Profitability
The high demand for Arabica beans allows producers to charge more compared to other coffee varieties. On commodity markets, Arabica coffee trades at 25-35% higher prices than Robusta.
For individual origin coffees, the price differential can be even more substantial. For instance, Colombian Arabica might sell for $5/lb while comparable Robusta would only fetch $2/lb. This makes Arabica more profitable for farmers and encourages further production.
Preferred by Consumers
Of course, Arabica’s popularity comes down to flavor and the strong consumer preference for the taste. Coffee drinkers overwhelmingly favor the sweeter, more complex flavors of Arabica.
In consumer testing, Arabica consistently rates higher in aroma, acidity, body, and overall liking. Specialty coffee in particular utilizes nearly 100% Arabica beans to meet discerning consumer expectations.
For all these reasons, Arabica has become the world’s coffee bean of choice. Both on the supply side and among consumers, Arabica is preferred for its high-quality flavor profile and sheer availability.
Regions Producing Arabica Coffee
While Arabica originated in Ethiopia, it is now grown across multiple continents and countries:
-
Latin America – Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico
-
Africa – Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda
-
Asia – India, Indonesia, Yemen
-
Oceania – Hawaii
Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia are the top 3 Arabica producing nations, accounting for about 60% of total Arabica production.
Specific regions famous for their Arabica beans include Kona Hawaii, Antigua Guatemala, Costa Rica Tarrazu, and Ethiopian Sidamo.
Flavor Differences Between Arabica Varieties
There are many different cultivars and varieties within Arabica coffee that result in unique flavors:
- Bourbon – Sweet, balanced, buttery
- Typica – Classic, mild, nutty
- Caturra – Bright, clean, fruity
- Catuai – Rich chocolate notes
- Mundo Novo – Smooth, fine acidity
- Maragogype – Large beans, strong body
The variety along with regional terroir leads to nuances in taste. But all Arabica coffees share the signature sweetness and complex flavors the bean is known for.
Arabica vs Other Coffee Species
While Arabica dominates, other coffee species like Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa have their niche. Here’s how Arabica stacks up against the alternatives:
Arabica
- 60% of global production
- Sweeter, more aromatic
- Complex flavor with fruit notes
- Less caffeine
Robusta
- 40% of global production
- Bolder, earthier flavor
- Higher caffeine content
- Used in espresso blends
Liberica
- Less than 1% of production
- Distinct sweet fruity taste
- Low acidity, light body
- Has unusual rubbery flavor
Excelsa
- Very rare
- Tart, fruity, and creamy
- Lowest caffeine content
- Often added to blends
Is Arabica Better Than Other Coffee Beans?
Arabica is considered higher quality than Robusta and specialty coffee utilizes nearly 100% Arabica beans. But “better” is subjective based on personal taste preferences.
The labeling of Arabica as superior is largely built on the sweeter, more nuanced flavor profile it exhibits. But some enjoy the bold, intense taste of beans like Robusta.
Many coffee shops use Robusta or Robusta blends for espresso since it provides a thick crema and strong flavor that stands up to milk. So certain types of coffee may benefit from other bean varieties.
In the end, it comes down to your individual flavor preferences. While Arabica dominates the top specialty coffees, excellent tasting Robustas do exist. The key is finding a coffee bean variety tailored to the specific brewing method and flavor experience you enjoy.
Health Benefits of Arabica Coffee
Arabica coffee, like other coffee types, contains various beneficial compounds including:
- Antioxidants – Chlorogenic acids and polyphenols
- Caffeine – Stimulant beneficial in moderation
- Vitamin B3 – Boosts energy metabolism
- Magnesium and Potassium – Supports heart health
Research shows coffee consumption can promote:
- Enhanced brain function and memory
- Increased athletic performance
- Reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease
- Lowered risk of type 2 diabetes
- Protection against liver disease
The recommended intake is 3-5 cups per day. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, insomnia, and stomach upset in some.
Buying and Brewing Arabica Beans
When buying fresh Arabica beans:
- Select beans labeled 100% Arabica
- Check the roast date for freshness
- Choose single-origin for more unique flavors
- Buy whole beans instead of pre-ground
Brewing tips:
- Grind beans right before brewing to preserve freshness
- Use a medium to medium-fine grind size
- Adjust grind based on brew method
- Water should be between 195°F – 205°F
- Focus on proper ratios and extraction time
Arabica beans pair well with pour over, drip coffee, cold brew, French press
Characteristics of Coffee Bean Types
We will talk about four main types of coffee beans: Arabica (Coffee arabica), Robusta (Coffee caniphora), Liberica (Coffee liberica), and Excelsa (Coffee liberica var. dewevrei). Let’s discover what differences define these various types of coffee.
Arabica is the most common type of coffee in North America, and it is also the type that gets the most advertising. This is because the taste is sweeter and smoother, and the coffee itself is usually less acidic. Arabica beans are farmed in areas with high elevations above sea level, particularly those where rain is plentiful. In fact, Brazil, known for its lush rainforest, is the world’s foremost exporter of Arabica beans. The plants themselves are fairly delicate, requiring a fair amount of pruning and constant attention to environmental factors. The Coffee arabica species is particularly prone to disease so farming in great quantities is a challenge. This makes the bean much more expensive on the world market, but many coffee drinkers are willing to pay extra for the softer, sweeter taste.
Another interesting thing about this well-known but delicate bean is that its flavor is said to get a little weaker when it’s served cold or mixed with milk or creamer. Although that may be true, it’s likely that you won’t notice the difference when you add more flavor to the drink anyway.
The second most produced type of coffee in the world is Robusta. They are also the most popular in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Its name does this bean justice, as it is known for its strong and often harsh flavor profile. There is a lot of caffeine in Robusta coffee, which makes the plant much stronger than the Arabica species. That’s because the caffeine acts as natural insect repellent, eliminating a major threat to the tree. Also, the coffee caniphora species doesn’t mind its environment very much, so it can be grown in a wide range of climates and elevations. People don’t usually buy robusta coffee because it’s thought to taste burnt or rubbery. The only places where this is acceptable is places where drinking very strong coffee is normal. Robusta beans, on the other hand, tend to bring in more money for farmers because they are easier to grow and harvest than Arabica beans. So where does it go? Robusta is sometimes used as a filler in dark roasts and might be used for cheap lines like instant coffee. A roaster could save up to 2020% on the cost of raw beans by mixing 3% Arabica to 1% Robusta in a batch. However, if this looks to you like sacrificing product quality for the bottom line, you’d be right.
There are some instances, though, of delicious, hiqh quality Robusta coffees finding their way onto grocery store shelves. These are generally single-origin coffees made from craft, small-batch roasters. There are times when it’s hard to find the best Robusta coffee beans, which have hints of chocolate and rum in their flavor. At the end of the day, if all you want from a coffee is caffeine, you might be better off with a regular cup of Robusta and adding cream and sugar to make it taste less strong.
Liberica coffee beans are a rare treat. They can only grow in certain climates, and farmers can’t really meet the needs of a global market because they can’t produce enough of them. Even still, the beans are considered a pleasant surprise. A lot of people who have tried the coffee say that it smells like fruit and flowers and tastes a bit “woody.”
There was a time when Liberica coffee was incredibly popular. Around the end of the 1800s, a disease called “coffee rust” was spreading around the world and killing off almost all Arabica plants. Even back then, coffee was such a big deal that both farmers and the government set out to find good alternatives. The Philippines was the first country to harvest and sell a large amount of the Liberica plant. As the only supplier, the country’s economy grew very quickly. At this point, the Philippines was a U. S. territory but as its economy grew the nation declared its independence. As a result, the U. S. imposed steep economic sanctions and cut off supplies to the country. Because of this, the Liberica coffee bean eventually lost its place in the world market, as no other country was ever able to produce as much as the Philippines.
The final type of coffee bean we introduce today is Excelsa. Excelsa is technically a member of the Liberica family, but its species is actually incredibly distinct. Like the coffee we talked about above, Liberica, Excelsa is mostly grown in Southeast Asia and only makes up a small part of the world’s coffee production. Excelsa does have a sourer, fruitier taste, and it’s known for combining qualities of both light and dark roast coffees to make a unique profile that coffee lovers often look for.
The Secrets Behind Coffee Bean Varieties
FAQ
What are the mostly used coffee beans?
What is the most popular coffee type?
What are the two most commonly used coffee beans?