UArabica coffee beans produce the most flavorful and aromatic coffees, making them the gourmet coffees of the world. Robusta coffee beans are grown in a different environment which is less costly for growers, but also produces an inferior coffee bean. More than 70% of the world’s coffee is Arabica. There are more than 6,000 varieties of Arabica coffee beans grown in the world and 25 types of beans.

The growing process for Arabic coffee is similar to Robusta coffee beans. It starts with a tree that first flowers and then produces a ripe "cherry" which contains two seeds. The seeds, or beans, are then removed from the flesh of the "cherry." When the beans are dried, they are sorted and labeled. Next they must be roasted, and sorted into categories of light, medium-light, medium, medium-dark, dark, or very dark. A coffee plant will only produce about one pound of coffee of Arabica in a year, so the plantations must be very large.

Arabica coffee is also known as ‘mountain coffee.’ It is planted at higher, cooler elevations, usually 1,000-2,000 feet above sea level. The higher elevation causes the coffee beans to grow more slowly, which accounts for the deep flavor and aroma. Beans grown at higher elevations are harder and better in quality, but they are also susceptible to frost, pests and disease, so the beans are harder to protect and harvest. The beans ripen at different times, so they must be hand-picked at intervals. This accounts, in part, for the higher price.

Although it originated in Ethiopia and Yemen, Arabica grade coffee is now grown worldwide. It is widely believed to be the first species of coffee cultivated. Arabica coffee grows best in rich, volcanic mountain soil, so it grows well in Hawaii, but that’s the only state in America that grows coffee. Columbia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Tanzania and Kenya all produce only Arabica coffees.

Coffee houses and cafes usually serve only Arabica coffee, but when purchased from the grocery story it is often used in a blend with Robusta coffees and adds body to the blend. Blending the Arabica coffee with Robusta coffee simply adds a hint of flavor and body to the coffee. Arabica coffees have only half the caffeine that Robusta coffees have, which is a drawing point for many people.

Even though Arabica coffee is more expensive than Robusta coffee, it is worth the price. Arabica coffee types taste and smell differently. Some smell like spices or nuts, while others have distinctive tastes. Arabica coffees have just the right level of acidity and flavor that makes a great cup of coffee. It’s all about the taste.