What is Arabica coffee?
Arabica is the common name for coffee of the species Coffea arabica. It is one of the most important cultivated coffee species and includes many varieties and cultivars.
The species
Coffea arabica is a species within the Rubiaceae family. Commercial coffees sold as Arabica may represent many different genetic backgrounds and named varieties.
Flavour and quality
Arabica is often associated with aromatic complexity and acidity, but these are tendencies rather than guarantees. Growing environment, variety, processing, roasting and brewing can strongly affect the cup.
Varieties and cultivars
Names such as Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, SL28 and Gesha refer to genetic groups or cultivated varieties within the broader Arabica category. They should not be treated as interchangeable with the species name.
Where it is grown
Arabica is cultivated in many coffee-producing countries, including countries in Africa, Central and South America and Asia. Altitude, temperature and local growing conditions vary considerably between regions.