Coffee Plants and Coffee Varieties

The coffee plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which includes around 500 genera and over 6,000 species. The two most widely recognized species, Arabica (Coffea Arabica) and Robusta (Coffea Canephora), account for more than 90% of global coffee production.

Our Estate and Single Origin coffees are made exclusively from 100% Arabica beans. However, we enhance some of our espresso blends with selected Robusta varieties from Indonesia and India to give them a distinct character. But what sets these coffee varieties apart, and what conditions do coffee plants need for healthy growth?


The Coffee Plant

The coffee plant belongs to the “Rubiaceae” family and the “Coffea” genus. It can grow as either a shrub or a tree, reaching a height of 4 to 10 meters.

A remarkable feature of this tropical plant is its ability to simultaneously bear flowers and coffee cherries at various stages of ripeness.


Optimal Growing Conditions for Coffee Plants

Coffee plants thrive only under specific climatic conditions that require a humid-dry seasonal cycle. Ideally, they need plenty of sunlight and regular rainfall, with distinct dry and rainy seasons. While the Arabica plant flourishes in moderate, moist regions, the Robusta plant prefers areas with higher rainfall. However, temperatures below freezing can be devastating and may cause permanent damage to the plants. Consequently, coffee is grown exclusively in countries along the so-called Coffee Belt, which spans around the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

It takes about three to four years from planting until the first harvest. Under optimal growing conditions, a coffee plant can yield crops for 20 to 30 years. Coffee grown in tropical highlands often develops a more intense flavor and acidity, as the slower growth in cooler temperatures enhances the quality of the beans.


The Structure of the Coffee Cherry

The coffee bean, as we know it, is actually the seed of the coffee plant. Inside the cherry-like fruit, there are typically two seeds nestled together with their flat sides facing each other. These seeds are encased in several layers: a thin skin, a parchment layer, and a protective mucilage layer.

Today, two coffee varieties dominate the market: Arabica and Robusta.


The Most Popular Coffee Varieties: Arabica and Robusta

Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica)

Arabica coffee beans are the original and highly esteemed variety, known for their refined flavor. They are less bitter and contain less caffeine compared to Robusta beans, making them especially popular among coffee enthusiasts. Arabica beans have an elongated shape and a distinctive curved crease. They are primarily grown in Brazil, Colombia, and Central America, thriving in altitudes between 600 and 2,000 meters and requiring temperatures of 18 to 25°C. The maturation period is approximately nine to eleven months. Arabica coffee accounts for over 60% of global coffee trade.

Robusta Coffee (Coffea Canephora)

The Robusta bean contains twice as much caffeine as Arabica and is less oily. Its taste is stronger but often less complex, which is why it’s commonly used in blends with a more intense character, such as espresso mixtures. Due to its resistance to heat, diseases, and pests, it is highly favored by coffee farmers. Robusta beans are rounder and have a straight crease. The main growing regions include Central and West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. It thrives particularly well at temperatures around 26°C in altitudes up to 900 meters and matures within six to eight months. Its share of the global coffee market is now nearly 40%.


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