Drafted by TCC from multiple sources

Coffee Species is a subject that is not often discussed. In coffee we have 124 different species, which includes the 4 main species commonly traded and served. Arabica, Liberica, Canephora (Robusta), and Excelsa. We will also discuss a newly rediscovered species found in Madagascar, originally grown in Sierra Leone and Guinea, Stenophylla.

The most familiar and highest traded species of coffee in the world is Arabica, which accounts for roughly 80% of the world’s coffee production. Indigenous to Ethiopia, it’s generally grown at altitudes of about 3,000–9,000 feet above sea level (1000–3000m.a.s.l), mainly in what is known as the “bean belt” or “coffee belt” which is roughly about 5000km north and south of the equator. This area provides the rich, often volcanic soils; regular rainfall; and sunshine coffee needs to thrive. Where Robusta, native to West Africa, is grown at lower altitudes and higher temperatures. It makes up the rest of the world’s coffee production. The bean is small and round but contains twice the amount of caffeine (hence the name) than the ovular Arabica. The concentrated caffeine acts as a natural pesticide, helping to protect it from most insects. This makes it cheaper to grow and far easier to maintain. It also produces more crema and so is often used in blends. Despite having positive qualities, it’s not a popular bean. In fact, the majority of coffee enthusiasts cringe at the thought of Robusta — primarily because it’s used for instant coffee or blended with Arabica to produce an inexpensive and low-quality product.

Arabica is the coffee bean of choice due to its smooth and pleasant taste compared to robusta. A cup of Arabica coffee is aromatic and flavourful, with notes that can be described as floral, fruity, citrussy, earthy and buttery; with flavours of chocolate, caramel, honey, or sugar. The taste can also range from sweet to tangy, depending on where the bean is grown and how it is processed. On the other hand with Robusta, once roasted and brewed, the taste of Robusta is often described as bitter or harsh with a hint of wood and rubber.

Moving onto the lesser known species, Liberica, Excelsa and Stenophylla:

Liberica originated in Liberia, West Africa. However, today, it is mostly grown and consumed in South East Asia — namely the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. In the Philippines alone, Liberica accounts for more than 70% of all grown coffee. The leaves and cherries are noticeably larger than those of Arabica and Robusta plants. Liberica leaves can grow as wide as 30 centimetres, and the species’ cherries can be almost double the size of the other two when ripe.

Excelsa is cultivated in South East Asia (including Vietnam and the Philippines) and India, it was actually first discovered in 1903 in Central Africa, where it was also known as Coffea dewevrei or dewevreié. Until around 15 years ago, Excelsa was believed to be a species of the Coffea genus in its own right. It was only in 2006 that it was officially reclassified as the dewevrei variety of the Liberica species. Despite the 2006 reclassification, researchers continue to debate whether or not it should be recognised as a species in its own right. Excelsa coffee grows best at altitudes of between 1,000 and 1,300 m.a.s.l. (3000–4500 feet above sea level), and unlike Arabica and Robusta, it is an arboreal (tree-like) plant, rather than a shrub. This means it requires vertical space to grow, rather than growing into the area around it on the ground. And while it is productive and resilient, Excelsa is difficult to manage and requires extensive care.

Stenophylla today apart from a few plants in research collections, Coffea Stenophylla is not farmed or otherwise cultivated today. Aaron writes: “The export of C. Stenophylla in Sierra Leone and Guinea amounted to around three to five tonnes (3,000 to 5,000kg) per year, although this does not include the amount of coffee consumed in these producing countries, which may have been substantial.

If you want to go deeper into the species please follow the links posted below.

Also included in the links is Black Sheep Coffee who specializes in Robusta speciality coffee.