15.11.2024
5 min.

Arabica coffee - what exactly is behind the world-famous bean?

When we talk about coffee, the Arabica bean is never far away.

The Arabica bean, scientifically known as Coffea arabica, is considered the highest quality coffee bean. It accounts for almost 60% of the global coffee harvest in 2024 and is particularly prized for its multi-layered aroma, fine acidity and complex taste. The Arabica bean originated in the highlands of Ethiopia, where the plant grows wild. Today, it is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, in the so-called coffee belt, around the globe, especially in Central and South America (Brazil, Colombia), East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya) and in some parts of Asia (India, Indonesia).

Cultivation

Arabica growing regions are typically located at higher altitudes between 800 and 2200 meters above sea level. In these cooler and stable climate zones, the beans are slower to develop the substances that lead to more complex aromas. However, Arabica plants are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, pests and diseases, especially coffee rust. For this reason, cultivation costs tend to be higher than for Coffea Canephora, also known as Robusta coffee. Compared to the Arabica bean, it is considered more robust and resistant. Countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia are the largest producers of Arabica coffee. However, smaller coffee producers such as Panama and Jamaica have also made a name for themselves in the coffee world with particularly high-quality varieties such as Panama Geisha or Jamaica Blue Mountain.

Steile Arabica Kaffeeplantage mit Kaffeekirschen
Kaffee Geschmacksrad

Flavor

Arabica beans are characterised by their diversity in taste. Typical varieties and aromas range from fruity, fresh notes such as berries and citrus fruits to intensely nutty, chocolaty or floral nuances. This complexity, combined with a fine acidity and natural sweetness, makes Arabica particularly popular for single-origin coffees and the roasting of specialty coffees.

Optics

Arabica coffee beans can usually be recognised by their oval, slightly flatter shape and are characterised by a distinctive, curved, s-shaped indentation on the flat side. In their raw state, they are typically greenish-bluish in colour, which distinguishes them visually from other bean varieties such as Robusta, which is more of a yellowish-brownish colour. These visual characteristics make Arabica beans easily recognisable, even before they are roasted.

Kaffeebohnen Arabica und Robusta auf weissem Hintergrund
Coffee bags in the coffee trade

Trade with Arabica coffee

On the exchange, the price of Arabica coffee is usually determined on the basis of supply and demand, weather conditions and political factors. The trading price for Arabica is mainly determined on the New York Coffee Exchange (ICE Futures US) and typically fluctuates between USD 1.50 and USD 2.50 per pound. Extreme weather events, such as frost or drought in the main growing countries like Brazil, can make a real difference and cause the price to jump.

Arabica in speciality coffee

Arabica beans are also highly sought after on the speciality market. Particularly rare or outstanding quality varieties are traded at auctions at very high prices. The most expensive coffee varieties, such as Panama Geisha, have already achieved record prices of over USD 1,000 per pound at auctions. One example is the Best of Panama auction, where Geisha coffees are regularly traded at high prices and achieve top prices. These coffees are often grown on small, sustainable farms and offer unique aromas that fascinate coffee lovers worldwide. Other rare and expensive coffees include Jamaica Blue Mountain and Hawaiian Kona. Even though prices for individual harvests are often adventurous, speciality coffee is generally rather independent of fluctuations on the stock market. It acts as its own market with a significantly higher price level compared to coffee beans traded on the stock exchange. Speciality coffees are often imported directly from roasting plants, skipping the intermediate trade on the exchange. This means that the coffee farmers and their employees receive a fairer and more long-term wage. Buying direct trade from the roaster therefore ultimately strengthens the coffee farmers.

Kaffeesack mit Specialty Coffee und Kaffeebohnen

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