Coffee Varieties (cultivars)
There are 2 commercially produced coffee varieties - Arabica and Robusta
Arabica is grown at a higher altitude, and produces a more delicate, lower caffeine coffee and is often favoured by connoisseurs.
Robusta coffee beans require a less demanding environment and are therefore less expensive to grow. Robusta coffee has more caffeine and essential oils, so is more earthy with a stronger taste. Typically, Robusta is a 'cheaper' coffee used for freeze dried (instant) coffee, or as a low-cost filler for cheaper coffee blends. However, over the last few years some excellent quality Robusta has bean produced, and these coffees are beginning to match the quality of fine Arabicas.
Arabica Varietals
The Arabica family of coffee beans can be split into hundreds of varietals. We have listed some of the important ones below:
- Typica
This is the base varietal from which many other varietals are derived. Typica has a low yield but very high quality - Bourbon
A higher number of coffee cherries are produced by each plant, but over a shorter season. Quality is as high as Typica. - Mocha
(Not to be confused with a 'Cafe Mocha' drink, where chocolate syrup is added to espresso)
The Mocha varietal originates in the Yemen port town of Mocha, and is characterised by a deep, rich chocolaty taste. Because of it's popularity, some coffee trees were smuggled into neighbouring Ethiopia, and now Mocha coffees are also available from parts of the Sidamo region in Ethiopia. - Marogogype
Marogogype (Elephant beans) are a sub-varietal of Typica, and originated in Brazil. They are very large in size and have a pleasant distinctive flavour.