Varieties

The different species of Coffea differ in height, in the size and shape of the leaves and – most importantly – in the size, colour and aroma of the beans the plant produces.

Of the approximately 60 species of coffee plant, only two are considered commercially valuable:

- Coffea Arabica

- Coffea Canephora.

Coffea Arabica

This species was described for the first time by Linnaeus in 1753. The most important varieties are ‘Tipica’ and ‘Bourbon’, which are typically cultivated in Brazil.

The fruits of this species ripen in 7-9 months and almost always contain two seeds, although in rare cases the fruit may contain only a single rounded seed, known as a ‘caracolillo’.

Coffea Arabica is a very delicate species whose berries are very susceptible to insect damage and disease.

Coffea Canephora

Better known as Robusta, this coffee species is very resistant to disease and can even grow in unfavourable conditions.

The Robusta plant blossoms continuously throughout the year. Its seeds are smaller than those of the Arabica species, but have a much higher caffeine content. The vast majority of Robusta production is in Central Africa and India, although it is also produced in Brazil.