What Is the Traditional Arabica Coffee Variety?

When people talk about ‘Arab coffee,’ they aren’t referring to a style of brewing—they’re usually talking about the coffee species itself. But where did this ‘traditional’ coffee come from, and why is it still the dominant variety worldwide? If you’ve ever sipped a cup and wondered why most specialty coffee traces back to one plant, you’re asking the right question.

The original ‘Arab coffee’ is Coffea arabica—the world’s most traditional and widely grown coffee species. It originated in East Africa and dominated the market until the late 19th century, when disease forced growers to look for alternatives. Even today, arabica makes up about 75% of global coffee production.

Where Arabica Coffee Comes From

Coffee as we know it began with Coffea arabica. Before the 15th century, it was grown and controlled almost entirely by the Arabian Peninsula, leading Europeans to call it ‘Arab coffee.’ This species originated in East Africa, and its spread from there laid the foundation for the modern coffee industry.

By the late 1800s, arabica faced a major crisis. A widespread disease outbreak pushed growers to explore more resistant species, notably Robusta (Coffea canephora). Despite this, arabica remained—and still remains—the dominant coffee species globally, especially valued for its smoother, more complex cup profile compared to its hardier but harsher counterpart.

The Major Arabica Subvarieties

Within Coffea arabica, several key subvarieties have played pivotal roles in coffee cultivation. The earliest and most influential include:

• Blue Mountain: Grown in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, this variety is globally recognized as producing some of the highest-quality coffee.
• Typica: Originally from Ethiopia and Sudan, Typica was the first arabica variety cultivated in the Americas and is still widely grown, including in Hawaii. Hawaiian Kona coffee, often compared to Blue Mountain, is typically made from Typica. Prices between the two varieties differ by just $1–$3 per pound.
• Bourbon: Introduced to the Americas from Île Bourbon (now Réunion Island) in the 18th century by French settlers, Bourbon is now extensively planted in Brazil and other Western Hemisphere origins, with limited cultivation also occurring in Yunnan, China. Bourbon beans typically contain 20–30% more caffeine than Typica, though less than most other arabica subvarieties. This variety grows upward at a 45-degree angle before drooping under the weight of fruit. It sets a high number of cherries per branch, resulting in high yields. However, the small berry size, fast maturation, and vulnerability to wind and heavy rain make it less resilient than other types. While its berries are smaller and it ripens more slowly than Typica, it remains one of the highest-yielding arabica subvarieties.

These three—Blue Mountain, Typica, and Bourbon—are among the earliest and most historically significant arabica subvarieties, forming the genetic backbone of much of today’s specialty coffee.

Arabica in Global Coffee Production

Though arabica was once the sole coffee species in global trade, the 19th-century push for disease resistance introduced alternatives like Robusta. Still, the small-seeded arabica bean—often referred to as ‘small coffee’—remains dominant. These berries are elliptical and typically contain two seeds, which we call coffee beans.

Today, Latin America grows the majority of arabica, followed by parts of Indonesia and Pacific islands. Brazil alone accounts for over one-third of the world’s coffee production, and its climate is particularly well suited to growing arabica, especially the small-seeded variety. In fact, around 75% of all coffee produced globally is still arabica.

Arabica in China: Yunnan’s Legacy

In China, the arabica coffee grown in Yunnan primarily consists of the Typica and Bourbon subvarieties. Botanically, these Yunnan-grown beans share genetic similarities with globally celebrated coffees such as Jamaica Blue Mountain and Hawaiian Kona, showing how deeply rooted the traditional arabica lineage is, even in non-traditional coffee regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the original coffee species known as 'Arab coffee'?

The traditional ‘Arab coffee’ is Coffea arabica, which originated in East Africa and was monopolized by the Arabian Peninsula before the 15th century, leading Europeans to call it ‘Arab coffee.’

What percentage of the world’s coffee is arabica?

Arabica makes up approximately 75% of global coffee production, making it the dominant coffee species worldwide.

Which countries grow the most arabica coffee?

Latin America is the largest producer of arabica coffee, followed by Indonesia and Pacific islands. Brazil is the single largest producer, growing over one-third of the world’s coffee, mostly arabica.

What are the main subvarieties of Coffea arabica?

The most historically significant subvarieties are Blue Mountain, Typica, and Bourbon. Typica originated in Ethiopia and Sudan, Bourbon was brought from Réunion Island, and Blue Mountain is grown in Jamaica.

Are Typica and Bourbon still grown today?

Yes, both Typica and Bourbon are still widely cultivated. Typica is grown in Hawaii and other regions, while Bourbon is extensively planted in Brazil, parts of China like Yunnan, and the Americas.

How is Yunnan coffee related to global arabica varieties?

Yunnan’s arabica coffee mainly consists of Typica and Bourbon, which are botanically similar to globally prized coffees like Jamaica Blue Mountain and Hawaiian Kona.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Traditional Arabica

Start your journey into classic arabica varieties with FrontStreet Coffee’s BrazilBourbon (Red Bourbon from Xilado), a medium roast offering balance with creamy texture, mild acidity, and a sweet finish. For brighter profiles, try ColombiaSidra (Sidra from Fēnjièxiàn Estate), featuring tropical fruit and stone fruit notes thanks to double anaerobic processing. Finally, explore Ethiopian roots with FrontStreet CoffeeYirgacheffeGedeb (Yirgacheffe Gedeb), showcasing citrus, floral, and tea-like qualities through careful processing and medium-light roast. These beans highlight the genetic legacy and diversity within traditional Coffea arabica. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.