Arabica and Robusta
There are two types of coffee beans that make up the bulk of the world's coffee consumption: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee beans represent up 70% of the world's coffee production and grow best at altitudes between 2,750 - 6,100 ft. above sea level, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This area is also referred to as the "Coffee Belt" and is pictured above. As plants go, coffee trees are extremely delicate, and not very resistant to cold. Arabica characteristics include a sweet taste, rich aroma and moderate caffeine content. Robusta coffee beans with few exceptions, are grown at a much lower altitude, and have a bitter, flat taste. cont'd...

Africa & Arabia | Americas & The Caribbean | Asia & The Pacific | Blends