Arabica Coffee: The Better Bean

You may have heard your friendly barista mentioning Arabica, or you may have seen “Coffea arabica” on the labels of your coffee bean packages. Here’s a closer look at Arabica, the superior coffee.

What is Arabica?
Originally native to central Ethiopia circa the 9th century, Arabica coffee is known as the world’s oldest and most dominant coffee species. Today, about 75 per cent of the world’s coffee is Arabica. While there are two main species of coffees that are grown and distributed on the market – Arabica and Robusta – Arabica coffee is recognised as having a smoother, sweeter taste, easily identified as it boasts notes of chocolate, ripe fruits and berries. Robusta, on the other hand, has a stronger, harsher and more bitter taste, with grainy overtones.

It takes years to cultivate and harvest Arabica

The Arabica coffee plant is much more delicate than other coffee plant species as it is more sensitive to its environment and produces better cherries when grown at higher, less accessible altitudes. As Arabica is more difficult to grow and is usually hand-harvested, it is considered more premium.

It’s easy to spot an Arabica coffee bean
The Arabica coffee bean has an oval shape and curved centre cut. It is larger than the round Robusta coffee bean which has a straight centre cut.

Arabica coffee is recognisable for its unique flavour and aftertaste
Most coffee drinkers prefer Arabica because of its smoother and slightly acidic flavour profiles, compared to Robusta coffee which yields a heavier and more bitter flavour.

Arabica coffee typically has subtle notes of chocolate, nuts or caramel, and a delicious aftertaste of fruit and berries. Arabica coffee also has half as much caffeine as Robusta.

Each cup of Arabica coffee may taste different due to the processing, roasting, or flavouring of the beans. But one thing is for sure – Arabica coffee is best enjoyed freshly ground right before it is brewed so you can savour the pure taste of the beans.

Did you know?
Bacha Coffee specialises in 100 percent Arabica coffee and offers seven different grinds. Travel the world through your coffee cup and taste the best Arabica harvests here.