Arabica Coffee Beans - Why the World Loves Coffee Arabica

Published On: October 01, 2021

Contents

  1. Arabica vs. Robusta Coffee Beans

  2. Are There Other Types Of Coffee Bean?

  3. Popular Arabica Varieties

  4. Key Drivers Of Arabica Popularity

  5. How To Choose Arabica Coffee Beans

 

You’ll see the term Arabica Coffee or “100% Coffee Arabica” used a lot today. Similar to other descriptors like ‘specialty’ or ‘single origin’, it’s half a way for brands to communicate the type of coffee being sold and half a way to increase its appeal to customers.

The problem is many people don’t know what Arabica beans are or that the vast majority of what they’ll find in shops and supermarkets will be Arabica coffee anyway.

So when you consider all the pieces of information on a coffee bag worth taking note of (e.g. notes, roast level or place of origin) the fact that your coffee is Arabica is admittedly lower down on the importance scale. 

Having said this, we believe understanding more about this species of coffee, why coffee roasters like us use it, its role in the global coffee trade, and, whether it is indeed the best coffee you can get, is fundamental knowledge for anyone trying to make more considered choices in the world of specialty coffee.  

Arabica Vs. Robusta Coffee Beans

The two most popular and widely produced types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Both have an important place in the global coffee trade and offer a useful contrast to each other when exploring flavour profiles, consumer demand and pricing.

Arabica

Robusta

Lower caffeine higher sugar content

Higher caffeine lower sugar content (resulting in increased bitterness)

Higher acidity 

Lower acidity 

70% (Approx.) of coffee produced globally 

30% (Approx.) of coffee produced globally 

Sweeter, more subtle flavour profiles 

Generally harsher, more bitter flavour profiles 

Used commonly in specialty coffees

Historically used for cheaper coffee blends and instant coffees

Harder to grow and more expensive 

Easier to grow and less expensive 

 

Arabica coffee is generally sweeter and less acidic than Robusta coffee beans.

Arabica Coffee

Colombian coffee farmer walking with dog and sack of arabica coffee beans on back

Perhaps the most important thing to know about Arabica beans is that people love them. Overall, they’re sweeter, more full in flavour and can offer plenty of nuance in terms of coffee notes and aromas compared to other beans. 

There are plenty of exceptions to this (e.g. Vietnam, Indonesia), but there's a strong preference for Arabica coffee in markets around the world.  

The second most important fact to know is that growing Arabica is harder to do, due to the sensitivity of this coffee plant species and the way it needs to be cultivated. And together, these things make Arabica coffee the most premium type of bean you’ll find. 

The best beans are grown more slowly in areas of high elevation and rainfall, requiring constant care and attention. Due to the delicate nature of the plant, crops are more vulnerable to environmental factors and farmers face increasing threats as climate change disrupts weather patterns and temperatures in places around the world, like Colombia where we source all our beans from.

Despite the increased difficulty in doing so, farmers will still endeavour to grow Arabica as it offers better recognition and reward in the international coffee market.

While quality and flavour profiles can still vary drastically within this category, these beans are known for achieving a more complex and delicate taste than others. This is particularly suited to the specialty coffee world where roasters look for subtle and unique coffee notes, such as berries or citrus fruits. 

In response, we see farmers continually experiment with growing methods to unleash new, impressive and sometimes weird coffee notes — signifying quality and differentiating their produce from other Arabica producers

Learn What Makes Colombian Coffee Beans So Special!

Robusta

Robusta has a history of being cultivated for lower-end markets and cheap coffee blends — sometimes blended with Arabica simply to increase volume at a lower cost (increasing overall profits at the expense of quality). 

In terms of flavour profile, Robusta is associated with strength, bitterness and a harsher (sometimes burnt) flavour overall. When also considering its lower cost compared to Arabica and the fact it's used in most instant coffees, it’s no surprise that this bean type is often described as inferior.

However, there are also more than a few amazing things about this bean too. The first quite fittingly is its robustness as a plant and its ability to survive in much harsher environments than other beans. In contrast to Arabica, you’ll find it growing in several types of altitudes and climates and its resilience makes it less vulnerable to pests and changes in weather (not a bad trait for a bean).

Being Robusta doesn’t inherently mean “worse”. And someone who has grown up drinking only Robusta may in all honesty prefer the harsh bitterness that this coffee bean offers.

Despite its bad reputation, it’s still enjoyed in places where very strong coffee is preferred. And when mixed with condensed milk in locations throughout South East Asia, for example, it becomes a whole different kind of drink that people have a strong affection for. 

Interestingly, a growing number of people believe that Robusta’s potential as a specialty coffee bean has been overlooked. Classic beans of this kind are known to offer hints of chocolate and other more earthy, woody or bitter flavours, but is the scope for Robusta much broader than just this?

Some are adamant that with the same amount of attention and investment in cultivating Robusta as is offered to Arabica, it’s possible to achieve so much more. Small but significant Robusta specialty coffee scenes emerging in Brazil and Vietnam are perhaps the best proof of this.

Are There Other Types of Coffee Bean?

Coffee producer sorting harvested batch of arabica coffee beans

Yes, there are more beans out there than just Arabica and Robusta. Two of these are the Liberica and Excelsa beans, grown in very specific climates where production isn’t scalable to the point that they can be made available to the global coffee market. 

  • Liberica is known for offering a smokey bitter taste, with a floral and fruity aroma. At a time when there was a global Arabica shortage, this bean was a popular substitute in Western markets and today is enjoyed in places like the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

  • The Exelsa bean, also grown in South East Asia (and technically a type of Liberica bean) is more distinct in its profile, offering a fruitier (almost tart) flavour.

Again, an important question to ask is whether with more investment into the cultivation of these beans, could their global reputation and popularity change? 

Popular Arabica Varieties

Within the world of Arabica coffee, there are so many different varieties out there — each offering something different.

Typica

Considered to be one of the first and most important varieties of Arabica, the Typica coffee bean is known for its clean, sweet flavour profile. Along with Bourbon (below) it is a fundamental “parent bean” to more recent varieties that have been cultivated around the world. To create certain tastes, it is commonly cross-bred with other types of Arabica. The major downside is its susceptible to pests and diseases and is sometimes avoided for its typically lower yields.

Bourbon

Bourbon is another incredibly important variety in the world of Arabica and one of the first to exist. Similar to the Typica bean, it’s characterised by relatively low production, susceptibility to pests and major diseases, as well as excellent cup quality.

Common flavour notes include chocolate and fruits.

Caturra

Today, Bourbon has largely been replaced by varieties that descend from it such as Caturra, which is a natural hybrid of the Bourbon strain. It offers a lighter body and slightly citrusy overtones. 

Gesha

Originating near the town of Gesha (sometimes called Geisha) in Ethiopia, but commonly grown in places like Colombia and Panama, this bean is considered one of the best coffees in the world and is known for its unique, delicate taste. As such, it’s also one of the more pricey coffee types you’ll find (which is often worth the cost in our opinion).

 

For a full list of Arabica varieties (there are dozens!), visit World Coffee Research

Key Drivers of Arabica Popularity

Colombian coffee farmers loading truck with arabica coffee beans for international export

The demand for certain coffee profiles; agricultural practices that are already optimised for Arabica production; and, an existing recognition of specialty Arabica within the context of third wave coffee is likely to keep driving the popularity of this bean type for many generations to come. 

For specialty roasters, the biggest draw is perhaps the diversity of flavours Arabica can offer, which can then be accentuated through different roasting and brewing methods. Sweet and fruity notes, hints of chocolate, and flavours of caramel and honey are all possible with Arabica, and as farmers continue to experiment with production methods to release new flavours, there’s much to explore. 

Even with the higher cost to the customer, coffee drinkers are usually happy to pay more for a sweeter or more subtle and complex cup of coffee than is offered by Robusta. And as long as this is still the case, farmers will continue to put in the extra effort at a higher risk to grow this more temperamental yet financially rewarding coffee bean. 

How to Choose Arabica Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans on sale at Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters

Short of instant coffees and cheaper supermarket blends, most coffee you see will be made from the Arabica bean. If you’re lucky, you’ll find some specialty Robusta coffee worth trying, but these occasions will probably be few and far between unless you are actively looking. 

Some brands might mix Arabica with Robusta for their Espresso blend (to enhance caffeine, intensity, and crema), for example, but the majority of what you see in coffee shops (especially specialty coffee shops) will be Arabica, unless it says otherwise. 

Seeing “100% Arabica” isn’t something that should affect your purchasing decision too much.

As such, seeing “100% Arabica” isn’t something that should affect your purchasing decision too much. As we discussed in our post about single origin coffees vs blends, it’s important to go beyond these basic descriptors and learn more. For instance, what kind of Arabica bean varietal is being used? Is it Arabica from just one farm or a combination of farms?

In the end, even a single type of Arabica variety like the Gesha can differ in quality and flavour depending on several factors like how it’s processed, the elevation at which it was grown, and so on. So no matter what you’re drinking, it’s important to delve a little deeper. 

 

Browse Our Full Range of Arabica Coffee Beans from Colombia!

 

La Estrellita
Passion Fruit, Strawberry Gelato, Mango, Dark Chocolate
£29.50
Finca Las Flores
Mango, Passionfruit, Pomegranate, Cherries, Cinnamon, Dark Chocolate
£24.00
El Fresno
Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Orange Marmalade, Salted Caramel
£15.00
El Calapo Coffee Pods
Milk Chocolate, Braeburn Apple, Breakfast Tea, Walnuts, Malt
£8.00
San Gil
Milk Chocolate, Pain Au Raisin, Apricot Jam, Walnuts, Orange
£15.00
El Faro
Malt, Mandarin Orange, Almonds, Milk Chocolate
£13.50
La Estrellita
Passion Fruit, Strawberry Gelato, Mango, Dark Chocolate
£29.50
La Aldea
Black Plum, Dried Apricot, Assam Tea, Dark Chocolate
£18.00
best-product-cover-image
Passion Fruit, Strawberry Gelato, Mango, Dark Chocolate
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Mango, Passionfruit, Pomegranate, Cherries, Cinnamon, Dark Chocolate
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
El Fresno
£15.00
Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Orange Marmalade, Salted Caramel
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
San Gil
£15.00
Milk Chocolate, Pain Au Raisin, Apricot Jam, Walnuts, Orange
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
El Faro
£13.50
Malt, Mandarin Orange, Almonds, Milk Chocolate
Size:
Grind:
More Details
best-product-cover-image
Passion Fruit, Strawberry Gelato, Mango, Dark Chocolate
Size:
Grind:
More Details

Join the community

Sign up to receive exclusive offers, updates and news on our products and services. Join our community of coffee enthusiasts and stay up to date with the latest coffee trends, roasts and brewing techniques.

Sign-up for Newsletter

Journal

VIEW ALL
Feature Image

Hario V60 Dripper - Everything You Need to Know

Picture this: It's 2005 and a Japanese glassware-making company called Hario has just introduced a brewer that will revolutionise the coffee scene. Read on and find out all there is to know about the Hario V60 and it's fascinating history. 

READ MORE
Feature Image

Pink bourbon: a Colombian specialty coffee like no other

Pink Bourbon - Colombian specialty coffee's latest gem? Learn all about this dazzling new varietal, its unique rise to global recognition and what the future holds for it. And don't forget to try our very own Hermanos Pink Bourbon - La Aldea.

READ MORE
Feature Image

It's A Hermanos Christmas

From Christmas Market prep to festive coffee-roasting to the birth of new seasonal characters like Santa Santiago, it’s been a rollercoaster of a month - and we’re only halfway through. Come along for a ride through the Christmas rush at Hermanos.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Feliz Navidad - Introducing Hermanos Christmas Coffees

We’ve curated two limited edition coffee beans for you this Christmas - Santa Rita Honey and Finca Las Brisas. Take a deep dive into their backstories and find out why they make the perfect Christmas bean.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Stories from Colombia

From Colombia, with love. Follow along as we take you on a trip through the journeys of four Colombian speciality coffee farmers and their families. From seemingly insurmountable hardships to deaths within the family, these farmers have seen it all, done it all, and persevered through it all. And now they want to thank you - for the unwavering support you've shown their beans through the years.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Hermanos Coffee Pods

Crafted by Hermanos, compatible with Nespresso®. Our sustainable single origin pods are finally here! Available in three of our most loved beans, get ready for your very own specialty Colombian coffee experience at the push of a button.

READ MORE
Feature Image

All About Yellow Fruits

This coffee will blow your mind - in the best way possible. With inimitable notes of pineapple mango and manuka honey, one sip is all it takes to fall in love. Get ready for Yellow Fruits to whisk you off to a tropical paradise.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How is Decaf Coffee Made?

Can't handle caffeine? That's where decaf comes in! Learn all about popular decaffeination methods used in specialty coffee and which one we prefer to use for ours.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Light Roast vs. Medium Roast - Coffee Roasting Explained

READ MORE
Feature Image

A Coffee Varietal Guide

The 2 main species of coffee are arabic and robusta, where arabica is mainly used for specialty coffee. Within the arabica family there are different varietals, similar to different apple types (eg. Fuji, gala, granny smith), each varietal boasts distinct flavours and flourishes in different growing conditions. Let's explore the world of Colombian coffee varietals and its diverse tastes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Coffee Supply Chain - How Does It Work?

Whatever your connection is to the world of specialty coffee, we’re all at the mercy of the coffee supply chain. And knowing a little more about how it works (and the threats that it faces) can help you understand just how appreciative we should all be of great coffee when it’s available to us.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Colombian Coffee vs. African Coffee: What’s The Difference?

How does Colombian coffee compare to African coffee? We explore the main differences between the two, including roast, processing, and tasting notes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters — The Brand Refresh

Over the past seven months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to hone our branding and enhance it to better convey our values and our mission.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Gender Equality In The Colombian Coffee Industry — An Introduction

The Colombian coffee industry is reliant on the work of women. Yet, women are often not recognised enough for this contribution..

READ MORE
Feature Image

Choosing A Chocolatey Coffee — Insider Tips

Coffee and chocolate are two of the most popular flavours out there. We’ll talk through the characteristics of chocolatey coffee and what's on offer at Hermanos.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Colombian Coffee Federation — What Is It And Why Is It Important?

The Colombian coffee industry has an outstanding global reputation, and for good reason. To maintain this quality and put frameworks in place to protect the coffee growers, the Colombian Coffee Federation was created.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Can Coffee Farmers Stop Climate Change Killing Their Crops?

There are around 25 million smallholder coffee producers in the world and over 125 million people who rely on the sector. What can they do to save their crops?

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Are The Key Differences Between Colombian Coffee And Brazilian Coffee?

How similar is Colombian coffee to Brazilian coffee? Despite both countries being in South America and sitting in the coffee belt, they differ vastly from each other.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Colombian Coffee Facts — Everything You Need To Know

We’ve summarised 10 of the best Colombian coffee facts, which you can use to find out more about what makes coffee from Colombia so unique.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How Is Climate Change Impacting the World of Coffee?

While local adaptation and agricultural innovation is helping some to mitigate the effects of climate change, several studies carried out over the last decade predict we’re looking at a drop of up to 50% of total landmass suitable for coffee production by 2050.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Innovation in the Coffee Industry: The Koji Method

We’re invigorated by experimental coffee processing techniques, which is why we're so excited about Koji, our new bean.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Is Natural Coffee Processing And How Does It Impact Your Coffee?

We dive into the natural processing method, and see how it weighs up against the washed and honey processes.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Our Visit To Colombia: Meeting Coffee Farmers And Discovering New Coffee Beans

Last month we travelled through Colombia. Our aim was to visit as many coffee growers and farms as possible in just a few weeks. Here's what we learnt...

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Freshness - How Fresh Is Too Fresh?

We’ll walk you through why coffee freshness is so important, as well as some top tips on how to preserve the freshness of your coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Subscriptions – Coffee Clubs, Bean Boxes and In-Shop Subscriptions Explained

The UK coffee subscription landscape is incredible. Many of the nation’s most established coffee roasters have doubled down on their online subscription models since the pandemic, while a huge number of new and digital-first brands have also entered the market.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Is Whole Bean Better Than Pre-Ground Coffee?

The vast majority of supermarkets and specialty coffee roasters offer both whole beans and pre-ground coffee. But which is the better choice?

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Origins – How Does Location Affect Flavour?

Factors ranging from climate and altitude to the way local farmers process their beans have an impact on flavour. We explore how coffee origins influence coffee profiles from different countries.

READ MORE
Feature Image

5 Reasons To Visit A Coffee Roastery

A coffee roastery is one of the most exciting places to be if you’re a coffee lover or interested in how the process works. However, there are still misconceptions about what a coffee roastery is and how it relates to the other parts of the global coffee supply chain.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Beginner's Guide To Different Coffee Types

There are so many different types of coffee out there, from Espresso-based drinks to fancy pour overs like the Chemex and V60. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to different coffee types to make it easier for you.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Is A Coffee Roaster? Wholesale, Subscriptions & Coffee Roasting Explained

The majority of coffee shops around the world buy their beans from a wholesale roasting company. But what is a coffee roaster? We explore!

READ MORE
Feature Image

Ground Coffee vs. Instant Coffee: What Are The Main Differences?

If you’re looking to brush up on your coffee knowledge or want to make the change from instant coffee to ground coffee, then you’re in the right place. In this post we explore the many differences between ground coffee and instant coffee, including the type of beans typically used for each, caffeine content, shelf life, taste, and the way these coffees are brewed.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Espresso Explained: What's The Difference Between Espresso And Filter Coffee?

What makes an espresso different to filter coffee? Many factors ranging from the size of the drink, the caffeine content, the taste, and even the aroma all play a part. But most importantly, these coffees differ due to the way they are made.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Guide – Top 10 FAQs Answered

There’s a strict protocol to follow if you are coffee cupping, but the general act of coffee tasting can take many forms. Here’s our coffee tasting guide for beginners.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Terms Explained — How To Taste Coffee Like A Professional

Whether you’ve got a coffee cupping session coming up, or you just want to learn how to appreciate your morning coffee more, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on your knowledge of coffee tasting terms.

READ MORE
Feature Image

A Visit from the Producers of El Vergel - What We Learnt

From challenges faced by climate change to why they choose to grow specialty coffee over commodity coffee, here’s what we learnt when we interviewed the Tolima-based producers of our popular El Vergel coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Traceability: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

The desire for traceability in the specialty coffee industry is growing, with more interest than ever in where coffee comes from, who grows it, and how it gets from farm to cup.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Cost of Coffee - What’s Behind the Rise in Coffee Prices?

The cost of a simple cup or bag of coffee is connected to so many of the world’s most critical issues, ranging from the climate crisis to the global pandemic. We explore what’s really behind the rise in coffee prices.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Natural? Washed? Honey? Coffee Processing Methods Explained

Although you don’t need to know the difference between natural, washed or honey processed coffees to enjoy them, cafes, roasters and specialty coffee retailers are increasingly using these terms as selling points for their beans.

READ MORE
Feature Image

How Do Colombia’s High Altitudes Affect Coffee Flavour?

Coffee beans grown at higher altitudes tend to produce coffees that are more complex, rich and distinct due to the cooler temperatures that extend the growth time of the coffee plant, adding more depth in flavour.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Specialty vs. Commodity Coffee: What's the Difference?

There's never been so much interest in specialty coffee as there is now. A growing number of coffee shops and roasters define themselves by their commitment to specialty coffee, and, in a way, their opposition to 'commodity coffee'.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Coffee Tasting Experiences - What to Expect During Your First Cupping Session

Anyone can taste coffee but 'cupping' refers to the standardised process of evaluating coffees used by the coffee industry. We explore what you need to know before your first tasting (or cupping) experience.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Decaf Coffee Beans - How Is Coffee Decaffeinated?

We shed light on what decaf is and how exactly coffee is decaffeinated using methods like the sugar cane decaf process so you can make a more informed decision when choosing your next bag of Colombian decaf coffee beans

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Impact of Colombian Coffee Cooperatives on the Specialty Coffee Industry

While the coop system isn’t perfect, it’s played a crucial role in developing the Colombia's specialty coffee market and allowing smallholders to band together and promote the attractiveness of their beans. Learn more! 

READ MORE
Feature Image

How to Buy Specialty Coffee Beans - A Beginner’s Guide

Learn how to start buying better specialty coffee with our beginner’s guide. We discuss roast dates, flavours (notes), supermarkets, descriptions on coffee packets, and provide a simple checklist for when you’re in a fix.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Arabica Coffee Beans - Why the World Loves Coffee Arabica

Arabica coffee beans offer a smoother, sweeter taste than Robusta. And despite being harder to grow, are widely considered to be the superior bean in the world of specialty coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

The Colombian Coffee Triangle - The Past and Future of Colombia’s Most Famous Coffee Producing Region

Nearly a third of Colombia’s coffee growing happens within the “Colombian Coffee Triangle” and its major cities are strongholds for a century-old tradition of coffee farming. Learn more.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Single Origin vs. Blends - What’s the Difference?

Should you buy single origin beans or coffee blends? We explore what sets these bean types apart and what you should look for when buying your next bag of Colombian coffee beans.

READ MORE
Feature Image

What Is Third Wave Coffee? A Practical Definition

Third wave coffee means different things to different people. We explore what it means and whether it still has relevance today in the world of specialty coffee.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Colombian Coffee Beans - What Makes Them So Special?

Colombia is widely known for producing some of the best specialty arabica coffee beans. But what makes single origin Colombian coffee beans so special? We explore how everything from growing conditions and climate to harvesting practices and the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) have all played a part.

READ MORE
Feature Image

Understanding Different Coffee Roasts - A Beginner’s Guide

We all know coffee roasting matters to the final flavour but the reasons why are unclear for many. Does dark mean bitter? Does light mean fruity? Is medium roast a safe “middle ground”? Learn how different roasts influence coffee flavour.

READ MORE