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 Kaffee (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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