You may have heard your friendly barista mention Arabica before, or you may have seen "Coffea Arabica" on the labels on your coffee bean packs. Here's a closer look at Arabica, the superior coffee.
What is Arabica?
Originally native to central Ethiopia around the 9th century, Arabica coffee is known as the oldest and most dominant coffee variety in the world. Today, about 75 percent of the world's coffee is Arabica. While there are two main types of coffee grown and distributed in the market - Arabica and Robusta - Arabica coffee has a milder, sweeter flavor that is easily recognized as it features notes of chocolate, ripe fruit, and berries. Robusta, on the other hand, has a stronger, harsher and more bitter taste with grainy overtones.
It takes years to grow and harvest Arabica
The Arabica coffee plant is much more delicate than other coffee plant species, being more sensitive to its environment and producing better cherries when grown at higher, less accessible elevations. Because Arabica is more difficult to grow and is usually hand-picked, it is considered to be of higher quality.
It's easy to spot an Arabica coffee bean
The Arabica coffee bean has an oval shape and a curved center cut. It is larger than the round Robusta coffee bean, which has a straight center cut.
Arabica coffee is characterized by its unique taste and aftertaste
Most coffee drinkers prefer Arabica for its smoother and slightly acidic flavor profile compared to Robusta coffee, which gives a heavier and more bitter taste.
Arabica coffee typically has subtle notes of chocolate, nuts or caramel and a delicious aftertaste of fruit and berries. Arabica coffee also has half the caffeine of Robusta.
Each cup of Arabica coffee may taste different due to the processing, roasting, or flavoring of the beans. But one thing is for sure – Arabica coffee is best enjoyed freshly ground right before brewing, so you can enjoy the pure flavor of the beans.
Did you know?
Bacha Coffee specializes in 100 percent Arabica coffee and offers seven different grinds. Travel the world through your coffee cup and taste the best Arabica harvests
