The Species of Coffee

You walk into your neighborhood coffeehouse and order a cup of hazelnut coffee. Suffice it to say, hazelnut coffee beans are not grown. This is a flavored coffee where the flavor is added to the beans. Coffee plants can be classified into two major species: Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora, also known as Robusta.

Coffea Arabica

This is the oldest species of coffee. It can be traced back to the mountains of Kaffa, Ethiopia. It is an indigenous plant in south-western Ethiopia. It is the better tasting of the coffee varieties. However, it is more susceptible to diseases.

The Arabica variety is now being planted in Latin America, East Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region. Although the same plant is being grown in these areas, it is notable that each country produces a slightly different kind of Arabica. Each has its own distinct flavors and characteristics. There are also noticeable differences in the coffee's aroma, the body or feel of the coffee and in its acidity.

Not only does location change the characteristics of the coffee but also the method of processing has varying affects. Arabica varieties grow well in the highlands. They grow best at altitudes between 3,000 to 6,000 feet. The colder climate at this altitude slows down the bean's maturity and creates a smaller and denser bean. The bean is less porous and contains less moisture which traps the flavor within the bean.

Coffea Canephora (or Robusta)

This is a much sturdier plant than the Arabica. Also, it contains 40% to 50% caffeine than Arabica. However, the Arabica bean is far superior in taste. This variety grows in areas where Arabica can not grow.

The coffee is somewhat bitter and has little flavor. Commercial and instant coffees are usually made from Robusta coffee beans. Various techniques are used to remove the bitter taste and what appears to be a cardboard smell from the beans.

Other coffee species include Coffea Liberica and Coffea Esliaca. The liberica coffee rivals Arabica in taste, flavor, and aroma. Coffee from this species costs more than those from Robusta.

Coffee is grown on farms, plots, plantations, and large estates. The overall quality of the bean's taste, flavor, and aroma comes from the way the plant is handled during harvesting. 

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