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Types

There are two major types or species of coffee beans, arabica and robusta.

• Arabica: The arabica species is grown in the higher elevations and needs a moist and warm climate to flourish. It is very susceptible to disease and changing climate conditions. It is thought of as a high quality, more expensive bean with a very flavorful taste and aroma. The arabica contains half the amount of caffeine as the robusta bean. It counts for 75-80% of the world’s coffee bean production. Examples of coffee made from arabica bean are mocha and java.
• Robusta: The robusta species is grown in lower elevations and it more resistant to diseases and varying climate changes. It is considered easier to grow than the arabica because it is more tolerant to the weather, takes less time to grow, and produces twice as many beans. Robusta is an inexpensive bean and is commonly used as a “filler” in instant coffees to lower cost. It is less flavorful than the arabica bean and its flavor has been referred to as more “earthy” and like that of “burnt rubber”. An example of coffee made with robusta is espresso.

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