What Is Arabica Coffee? The Original Arabian Coffee Bean

When people talk about ‘Arabic coffee,’ they’re usually referring to something brewed strong and served unfiltered—but the true origin of the term comes from the plant itself. For centuries, coffee grown in the Arabian Peninsula was the only coffee known in Europe. That coffee wasn’t just from Arabia, though—it was from a specific plant species with a long journey from East Africa to the rest of the world.

The original coffee species brought to global attention by Arab traders is Coffea arabica, commonly called Arabica coffee. It’s the world’s most traditional and widely planted coffee variety, accounting for around 75% of global production—even though it wasn’t always the only game in town.

What Is the Arabica Coffee Species?

Coffee is mainly divided into two cultivated species: Coffea arabica (Arabica) and Coffea canephora (commonly known as Robusta). Arabica, or Coffea arabica, is the older and more traditional of the two. Native to the highlands of East Africa—likely Ethiopia or Sudan—it was the dominant coffee species for hundreds of years. So dominant, in fact, that Europeans simply called it ‘Arabic coffee.’

While there are now many species and varieties of coffee, Arabica remains the foundation of the specialty coffee industry due to its nuanced flavours, lower caffeine content, and overall cup quality. It produces smaller coffee cherries, typically with two seeds (or beans) inside each oval-shaped fruit.

The Three Foundational Arabica Subvarieties

Within Coffea arabica, several early-developing subvarieties have played critical roles in shaping global coffee cultivation. These include:

• Blue Mountain (varietal Blue Mountain): Grown famously in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, this variety is considered among the best in the world.
• Typica (varietal Typica): Originally from Ethiopia and Sudan, Typica spread across the Americas and is still cultivated in places like Hawaii. Hawaiian Kona, often compared favourably to Blue Mountain, is primarily Typica-based.
• Bourbon (varietal Bourbon): Introduced to the Americas from the Island of Bourbon (now Réunion) in the 18th century via French colonists, this variety is widely planted in Brazil and parts of China, including Yunnan. Bourbon has about 20–30% higher caffeine than Typica but less than most other varieties. It grows upward at a 45-degree angle before drooping under fruit load, produces dense clusters, and matures relatively quickly—but its cherries are small and it’s sensitive to wind and rain.

Of these, Typica and Bourbon are the most significant in terms of global spread and influence on modern arabica cultivars.

Arabica in Global Coffee Production

Although Arabica was once the sole coffee species traded globally, a major disease outbreak in the late 19th century forced farmers to seek more resilient alternatives. That led to the rise of Robusta, but Arabica remains the primary species grown today.

Most Arabica is still classified as ‘small coffee’ or Coffea arabica var. arabica, with elliptical berries typically holding two seeds. The largest global producer of Arabica is Brazil, which grows mostly small coffee varieties thanks to ideal geography and climate. Brazilian output alone represents over one-third of the world’s total coffee production. Other key regions include Latin America, Indonesia, and various Pacific islands.

Arabica in China: Yunnan’s Historic Varieties

In China, Yunnan province is the primary coffee-growing region, and its small coffee production historically focused on Typica and Bourbon—the same foundational varieties that contributed to globally recognised coffees. Genetically, Yunnan-grown Typica and Bourbon share lineage with both Jamaican Blue Mountain and Hawaiian Kona, making them part of the same elite genetic family within Coffea arabica.

This heritage connection explains why certain Yunnan coffees, when grown at altitude and processed with care, can exhibit surprising clarity and sweetness, even rivalling some classic origins in cup character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the original Arabic coffee species?

The original ‘Arabic coffee’ refers to Coffea arabica, the coffee species that originated in East Africa and was monopolised by the Arabian Peninsula prior to the 15th century. It became known in Europe as ‘Arabic coffee’ because it was the only variety widely available through Arab traders during that time.

What are the main types of coffee species?

The two main cultivated coffee species are Coffea arabica (Arabica) and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Arabica is the traditional and most widely consumed species, making up around 75% of global coffee production, while Robusta is more bitter, higher in caffeine, and more resistant to disease.

What are the key Arabica subvarieties?

The earliest and most influential Arabica subvarieties include Typica, Bourbon, and Blue Mountain. Typica and Bourbon are widely planted and form the genetic base for many modern varieties, while Blue Mountain is a premium-quality variety grown primarily in Jamaica.

Where is most Arabica coffee produced today?

The majority of Arabica coffee is grown in Latin America, especially Brazil, which produces over one-third of the world’s coffee. Other significant regions include Colombia, Central America, Ethiopia, Kenya, Indonesia, and Yemen. Vietnam mainly produces Robusta.

Are Typica and Bourbon still grown in China?

Yes. In Yunnan, China’s primary coffee-growing province, the most commonly planted Arabica varieties are Typica and Bourbon. These are the same historic varieties that are genetically linked to globally celebrated coffees like Jamaican Blue Mountain and Hawaiian Kona.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Classic Arabica

To experience the heart of traditional Arabica coffee, start with FrontStreet’s BrazilBourbon (Red Bourbon from Xilado), offering balanced body with soft acidity and creamy nuttiness ideal for pour-over. For bright complexity, try ColombiaSidra (Sidra from Fēnjièxiàn Estate), with double anaerobic processing that brings out tropical fruits and sweet depth. Finally, explore Ethiopia’s legacy through YirgacheffeGedeb (Gedeb), a washed Ethiopian lot with vibrant citrus, floral tones, and tea-like finish. All three showcase the clarity and diversity within Coffea arabica. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.