Arabica Coffee

What Is Arabica Coffee?

Arabica (Coffea arabica) is the main coffee species that makes up the great majority of the world's coffee production. It is generally grown in high-altitude, cool and humid regions; these conditions give the bean a more complex and aromatic character.

Compared to robusta, it is lower in caffeine, smoother, and more acidic-aromatic; it can display a wide range of tastes such as fruity, floral, caramel-like and chocolatey. This subtlety makes it the foundation of specialty coffee.

Nutritional Value of Arabica Coffee

Plain brewed arabica coffee is almost calorie-free as a drink; it mainly contains caffeine and natural compounds found in coffee. Its caffeine ratio is lower than robusta's; unless milk and sugar are added, its calorie contribution is negligible.

How Should Arabica Coffee Be Considered?

Since arabica contains caffeine, caffeine-sensitive people and daily consumption amounts may warrant caution. As part of a balanced fluid intake, it is a drink consumed for its taste and enjoyment.

This information is general; arabica coffee is a drink, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Arabica Coffee?

Good arabica consists of beans that are properly roasted, fresh, with a recent roast date and preferably a stated origin. Buying whole beans and grinding just before use preserves the aroma; stale and oily beans are not preferred.

• Beans should be fresh and properly roasted
• Roast date should be recent
• Stale-oily beans should not be bought

How to Store Arabica Coffee?

Arabica is stored in a sealed, light-blocking container, in a cool and dry place. Since ground coffee loses its aroma quickly, it should be ground a little at a time and consumed soon; since it absorbs odors, it should be kept separate.

Using Arabica Coffee in Cooking and Brewing

Arabica is brewed with almost every method — filter coffee, espresso, French press, moka pot and Turkish coffee — with its aromatic character standing out especially when drunk plain. In the specialty coffee world, it is also frequently offered as single origin.

Why Is Arabica More Aromatic?

Its slow ripening at high altitude allows more complex sugar and aroma compounds to develop in the bean; this gives arabica a fruity-floral, delicate taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between arabica and robusta?

Arabica is more aromatic, smoother and more acidic, with lower caffeine; robusta is stronger, fuller and more bitter, with higher caffeine. The two are often blended.

Why is most quality coffee arabica?

Arabica's subtle and complex aroma makes it preferred for specialty coffee; this is why single origins and special roasts are mostly made from arabica.

What does arabica taste like?

Depending on origin and roast, it can be fruity, floral, caramel-like or chocolatey; overall it has a smooth, aromatic and balanced taste.