What is Arabica Coffee? Types, Brews, Production Regions & Facts

Arabica coffee is a higher-quality coffee in terms of both taste and chemical content. Arabica contains half the caffeine of Robusta, making it the coffee of choice for individuals who seek the benefits of increased focus and mental clarity without feeling jittery, nervous, or experiencing heart palpitations (these are often side effects of Robusta which the general public is unaware of and believes it to be side effects of all coffee). Arabica is more difficult to cultivate (it can only be grown at high elevations above 3,200 feet), while Robusta can be grown at lower altitudes

Arabica is more sensitive to illness, particularly leaf rust disease, a fungus that may wipe out a whole crop and does so frequently. Robusta, on the other hand, is more “robust” and resistant to the same disease. Arabica generally is known to yield less than Robusta. All of these elements add up to a price that is two to three times more.

Some key facts about Arabica coffee that every coffee lover should be aware of are the following:

• It’s the most widely grown coffee bean type in the world
• Around 60% of the world’s coffee is Arabica
• It’s mostly grown in tropical countries in Central and Southern America, but African countries also produce it.
• There are quite a lot of types of Arabica beans, each with their individual tastes, roasting, and brewing tips.

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The History Behind The Name “Arabica Coffee”

Arabica coffee has been on the market for quite a long time now, so it might be interesting what the history behind it is. Its origins may be traced back to around 1,000 BC in the highlands of the Kingdom of Kefa, which is now Ethiopia. In Kefa, the Oromo tribe ate the bean, crushed it, and combined it with fat to produce ping-pong-sized spheres. The spheres were used as a stimulant, similar to how coffee is consumed now.

These beans received their name back in the 7th century – On one spectacular day, they crossed the border between Ethiopia, Yemen, and Arabia. Arabia is the main reason why these beans are nowadays called “Arabica coffee”. The first documented mention of coffee brewed from roasted coffee beans came from Arab intellectuals, who stated that it helped them work longer hours. The Arab innovation of brewing a beverage from beans in Yemen spread first among Egyptians and eventually expanded throughout the world.

Where is Arabica Coffee Grown?

Arabica, which originated in the Ethiopian mountains, is now primarily cultivated in Central and South America, primarily in Brazil and Colombia. As we all know, coffee is a big part of our society nowadays, and Arabica accounts for 75% of global coffee consumption. It is also the oldest known cultivated species.

Arabica is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 30 feet in the wild. However, under cultivation, it’s kept at a height of six to eight feet, primarily to make harvesting easier; they joke that they’ll cut it down to a man’s height. The leaves on the tree are dark green oval and veined, with a scalloped edge that sort of comes to a point. I don’t know if you remember seeing it at the Botanical Garden, but they kind of come to a point, and they’re a little elliptical, so that’s one way to recognize it. The tree’s bark is an ashy white, and it has some extremely white fragrant flowers that can grow to be around 20 bunches long.

The largest producers of arabica coffee today are:

• Ethiopia
• Brazil
• Colombia
• And others

You can check out individual information on countries that produce Arabica coffee from the list below:

Central America & The Caribbean

South America

Africa

Asia

Others

What Varieties of Arabica Coffee Beans are There?

Around the world, there are hundreds of commonly farmed Arabica coffee varieties, each with its own performance and adaptability to local conditions. Varieties must fulfill special criteria to be deemed a unique Arabica variation.

For instance, they must all be different, stable, and uniform. Because of that, some varieties (such as Sarchimor, along with Catimor and Pacamara) are not distinct varieties, however, they are still included in the list because they are well-known among farmers and frequently farmed in the regions we have mentioned above. It is crucial to note that they lack consistency and stability and hence do not fulfill the criteria of variety outlined here.

All in all, there are quite a lot of varieties such as Bourbon, Geisha, Kona, etc. You can find additional varieties in the table below:

Arabica Bean Varieties

Which Arabica Coffee Bean Variety is The Best?

As we already discussed, there are different varieties of Arabica beans available on the market. So, how do you choose one when it comes to purchasing? Generally, high-quality Arabica beans must have a sweet flavor with hints of nuts, caramel, and chocolate. The acidity is not high, I would describe it as pleasant – and there is also very little bitterness.

In the end, it’s pretty much down to taste on which ones you will like, but if we go on price, then the Geisha beans are arguably the best ones. But for me personally, I really enjoyed the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and the Jamaican Blue Mountain beans.

Arabica vs Robusta – What Are The Differences?

Arabica and Robusta are the two most popular coffee beans consumed by millions of people on a daily basis. There is no surprise that they are compared to each other very frequently. While it is true that they may share some similarities, differences are more clear to us. For instance, Robusta contains more caffeine and is lower in acidity.

An experienced coffee drinker will immediately feel the difference between these two as the taste of Arabica comes with caramel and fruit notes while Robusta is characterized as woody and earthy. For more information, you can check out the table down below:

Is Arabica Better Than Robusta?

This is a question that will have a very subjective answer depending on who you ask. Personally, for me, Arabica is better, but it all boils down to taste. Arabica coffee is a bit more time-consuming to make, while Robusta usually comes in the instant coffee form and can be brewed in seconds.

Generally, despite having less caffeine than Robusta, Arabica beans are frequently thought to be more flavorful. Arabica coffee has a smoother, sweeter flavor, with chocolate and sugar undertones. They also frequently contain undertones of fruits or berries. Robusta, on the other hand, has a stronger, harsher, and more bitter flavor, as well as gritty or rubbery undertones.

Arabica Single Origins vs Blends – Which is Better?

Before we answer this question, let’s first define what single-origins and blends are. So, blends are usually high-quality beans mixed with low-quality ones but the main reason why they might be popular among some people is that they are cheaper. On the other hand, single-origin coffees are the ones that can be cultivated in one location only – meaning that they can not be grown in a lot of places around the world.

A single-origin coffee has the most unique and unmodified flavor profile, whereas a coffee mix includes characteristics from several beans. Single-origin coffees have a more exotic flavor, are stronger, and more robust, however, a coffee mix balances it out with diverse beans that complement each other.

All in all, I would say that if you have a choice, you should always go for Arabica single-origins, as they will be able to provide you with a better coffee-drinking experience due to the simple fact that they are superior in quality and can offer some unique characteristics that can not be found in blends.

What Brews are Best to Make With Arabica Beans?

Once you get your Arabica coffee beans, the important question is – what brews are you able to make with them? I think that all brews are better with Arabica beans, however, in this part of the guide, I want to share the ones that I have tried myself at home and enjoyed the most so far. So, get ready to discover your new favorite brew types right now!

Espresso – The Best Way to Brew Arabica Coffee Beans

The first brew I would like to share with you is Espresso. Because the natural flavors of the beans are retained in a concentrated coffee and shine much better, Arabica beans taste the best in a form of an Espresso. Additionally, it is the quintessential coffee experience.

In order to prepare Espresso, I would recommend having an Espresso machine. Preparing coffee with this coffee maker might not be easy at first, especially for beginners, however, after several tries, you will be able to prepare a very tasty cup of coffee for yourself. Additionally, you can also read our Espresso brewing masterclass which will definitely help you perform better.

Check Out our Espresso Brewing Masterclass

Lungo – Better Than Americano

Lungo is something between an Espresso and an Americano and goes perfectly with your Arabica coffee beans. Some people believe that it is possible to taste a high-quality Lungo in coffee shops, however, I can say that this is very far from the truth. I myself have been making Lungo for quite some time now, and I can say that it is perfectly possible to prepare it at home with simple ingredients and tools. If you want to brew Lungo with Arabica coffee beans, make sure to check our guide where you will be able to learn how to make it in a simple and comfortable manner.

Learn How to Make Lungo Here

Macchiato – Enhances the Natural Sweet Flavors

And, the last one on our list is Macchiato – my personal favorite! So, one might ask why Macchiato might be suitable for these beans. Well, the answer is pretty simple and straightforward. Arabica beans already have natural chocolate and caramel flavors, and brewing them as a Macchiato helps to enhance that specific flavor even more. As a result, you get a cup of coffee that is very high-quality and tastes super amazing! Of course, you can also check out Macchiato’s step-by-step guide and prepare it yourself in a matter of minutes.

Macchiato Step by Step Guide

Top 5 Arabica Coffee Brands on Amazon

If you are someone who wishes to purchase Arabica coffee beans and does not know where to start, then don’t worry as we have got you covered. Considering the fact that the market is almost flooded with different types of products, it might not be an easy task to identify the one that suits your preferences the best. We have already done thorough research for you and in the list down below, you can check out the top 5 Arabica coffee brands available on Amazon currently.

How We Rated Them

We pay attention to the following:

• • Price
  • Company Background
  • Taste
  • Shelf-life

• Additives

For more detailed information on how exactly we rate the coffee products we suggest in our guides, click here.

Individual Overviews of Our Top Choices

In this section of the review, we will be specifically focusing on the top five products that we deemed noteworthy to discuss with you. We have taken into consideration the many aspects of the arabica coffee bean and this is why all our chosen manufacturers are eco-friendly and they ethically source their products. We think it’s important to uplift the brands that gave quality coffee and additionally are the pillars of the coffee industry and community.

Mayorga Organics Café Cubano

This product is categorized as Dark Roast Whole Arabica Bean Coffee. It’s fully organic and has no traces of any type of GMO, meaning that you can freely consume it without worrying about negative health consequences. Sustainability is one of the major factors that set this one apart from its competitors.

This product is a dark roast mix with hints of vanilla and sweet, syrupy smokiness, a smooth, bold finish with low acidity. What I came to love about this coffee brand is that it has a great texture and an alluring aroma.

The roastmasters of the Mayorga coffee expertly roast Peruvian, Honduran, and Nicaraguan coffees, giving this blend a distinct flavor profile. It’s a melting pot of cultures in a single cup. This is a very exciting aspect about this brand as they are focused on being sustainable and the fact that the diversity of the company is not the only focus for them is such a nice thing to know. Mayorga Organics is very eco-friendly as well. The coffee is sourced from Latin America’s quality-inspected, certified organic small farmers and cooperatives.

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Volcanica Yirgacheffe

Yirgacheffe is known for its aromas of lemon, blueberry, and blackberry – this coffee has a thick body and an earthy scent. You can get a light or medium roast whole bean with the Volcanica Yirgacheffe depending on your taste and preference.

The beans of this product are organically cultivated. This is a very important aspect that needs to be highlighted as it lets the true flavor characteristics shine through for a superb taste. Not only is the cultivation of the beans ethical and the company is eco-friendly, but you will also be delighted to know that this product is freshly roasted, then packed and sealed to maintain freshness.

Customer satisfaction is a definite guarantee as the product speaks for itself and the brand has years of experience under its belt. With its notoriety and reputability and great taste palette of the product, purchasing Volcanica Yirgacheffe is a no-brainer.

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Green Coffee Traders’ Jamaican Blue Coffee

Blue mountain coffee is very well known with both novice and experienced coffee lovers. In fact, it has a certain prestige to it. An unspoken word of mouth and needless to say all the hype is definitely worth it.

Because all of the coffee beans are obtained completely from seeds grown in Jamaica’s Blue Mountain region, the name “Jamaica Blue Mountain” was chosen. As a result, these coffee beans have a lot in common with a well-balanced, full-bodied cup with medium acidity. Both Arabica and Typica coffee bean cultivars are high-grown under similar climatic circumstances and have naturally lower caffeine levels.

This coffee is grown and harvested at the Blue Mountains’ highest point which is also the highest spot in Jamaica. Because they are located on the highest summit, at 7402 feet above sea level, these coffee beans benefit greatly from the surrounding environment. I can guarantee that with this product, you will definitely be able to taste something unique and very tasty.

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Hayman Panama Geisha

Panama Geisha coffee is a whole bean coffee, so you have to grind them yourself, however, this is very much worth it because of its flavor palette and texture. This is the highest grade coffee you can get off of Amazon. The company doesn’t mass produce it therefore there’s a certain type of exclusivity when it comes to Hayman Panama Geisha coffee.

Geisha coffee is a variety farmed by the Peterson family in Boquete, Panama. It’s said to be a great bean, but it’s pricey. It has received multiple prizes in Panama, and gourmet coffee connoisseurs seek it out.

Within the coffee industry, the geisha variety has become somewhat of a delicacy, with a distinct, perfumey flavor. On graders’ score sheets and in brewing contests, these coffees usually receive high marks. Hacienda Esmeralda in Panama is a well-known producer of this coffee, which sells for $30–60 a pound on the open market.

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Wings of The Morning Kona

Kona coffee is a product consisting of hand-picked whole beans. The weight of each pack is exactly 340 grams which is quite a lot. Coffee beans are ethically sourced and the consumers of this product are in awe of its raw acidity and taste, not to mention the unique aroma it has alongside the multitude of coffee connoisseurs that are interested in purchasing this product. Much like the previously discussed product, this one is also exclusive in regards to its production as the brand sells limited amounts of it. This is due to the very nature of the company.

Hawaiian Kona is made in morning wings which is a nickname for the Ka Io Farms in Hawaii.

This is a unique and assertive bean that has been roasted to a medium, dark, and very smooth flavor. Some people also refer to it as the Vienna roast due to its history. It’s noteworthy to mention the fact that it is considered one of the best coffees available. Its high price and intermittent supply are dictated by economics and scale. It comes in 12 oz. heat-sealed foil package in a coin-cloth bag with farm information printed on it.

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Recommended Machines to Use for Arabica Beans

Due to the process and nature of making and brewing coffee, pretty much every machine works well with these beans, but they can be divided into different categories for all types of consumers. It all goes down to the very aspect of what the consumer is looking for and what is their budget. Therefore we will be discussing the aspects of the machines that are more pragmatic like the price range, durability, and overall critical acclaim.

Budget Option – Moka Pot, AeroPress, French Press

If you are someone who is looking for budget options then I would suggest using Moka Pot, AeroPress, or French Press. These machines are not only relatively cheap but also very portable which most of the time is why coffee lovers are drawn to using them for their everyday coffee needs. Additionally, preparing coffee with these is super easy and comfortable. You will just need to follow simple instructions that do not require you to have prior knowledge or some special superpowers.

All three mentioned machines are perfectly suited for making cold brews and black coffee. Additionally, they are efficient as well as very budget-friendly – the price range is between $15 to $103. Which is not a bad deal at all for those who need to make coffee on the go.

Mid-Range – Drip, Pourover, Single Serve

If you are willing to pay a little more, then it might be the best idea to go for drip, pour-over, and single-serve coffee makers. All of these are simple to use, however, they are still able to produce high-quality drinks as well.

If you intend to go for pour-over, which includes pouring hot water in a circular motion over coffee grounds, you should know that prices range somewhere between $20 and $70. As for drip machines, you must pay at least $30 and prices can go up to $200 – In case you are looking for high quality. And single-serve coffee makers are pretty much the same as drip machines.

Expensive Versions – Espresso Machine, Precision Brewer, Siphon

And when it comes to expensive versions, the first thing that comes to mind is Espresso machines. They are known for being one of the most pricey coffee makers in the world due to the simple fact that they consist of high-quality materials. If you plan on taking your coffee game on a whole new level, then you will have to pay somewhere between $500-1000, however, the prices can go as high as $20,000 in total.

As for precision brewers, they are not as expensive as Espresso machines, and additionally, they give you the ability to brew your own coffee in a much simpler way. For a good-quality precision brewer, it might be the best idea to have a budget of up to $300.

Siphon coffee makers are not as popular as other coffee makers we mentioned, however, they are known to produce some of the best-tasting Arabica coffee. Its prices start somewhere around $50 and can go up to $200.