Arabica coffee grows at 800/15000 meters above sea level. It has a long green-blue
bean, with a typical ‘S-shaped’ furrow. In the cup, it proves aromatic, sweet, delicate
and sometimes fruity. It is characterized by a low level of caffeine ranging anywhere
from 0.8% to 1.5%.
Robusta variety is cultivated at low altitudes from 200 to 600 meters above sea-level.
Its yellow-brown bean has a rounded shape and a straight grove. In the cup, it is
known for its more distinct flavor and for having greater body and a level of caffeine
ranging from 1.7% to 3.5%.
With regards to the Arabica variety, its most important cultivation areas today
are Brazil (the world’s top producer), other South American countries including
Columbia, Central America and several countries in Eastern Africa. Instead, the
Robusta varieties are primarily cultivated in India (whose cherry and
parchment are considered the best in the world) and other regions of South-East
Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia) and Central Africa.
Distribution of coffee varieties per geographical area
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