Also known as coffee arabica or mountain coffee, arabica coffee is a type of coffee plant that is native to the countries of Yemen and Ethiopia. The coffee beans produced by these plants are considered to be among the best in the world, with some people preferring the aroma and flavor of these beans to any of the plants that are commonly grown in South American countries. At the same time, beans from these plants also tend to contain less caffeine than some other coffee plants.
In order to produce the highest quality beans, the arabica coffee plant usually takes around seven years to fully mature. The plants tend to thrive when located in areas where there is light shade for a large portion of the day. This is in contrast to some other types of coffee plants, which require a great deal of direct sunlight in order to thrive.
Unlike some other varieties of coffee plants, the arabica coffee plant can be cultivated at a wide range of altitudes, including areas that are well below sea level. Instead of the altitude being a major factor, the amount of rain the plants receive is more important. Generally, they do best when there is an average of forty to fifty-nine inches, or one to one and a half meters, of rain during the growing season. While the plants do have more tolerance for low temperatures than some other coffee varieties, the arabica coffee plant does best at a moderate temperature of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 degrees Centigrade.
The robust flavor of arabica coffee has made it a favorite throughout the Arabian region. In recent years, the coffee has made inroads into other markets, particularly the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. While providing a highly desirable flavor that is rich and full, arabica coffee does not tend to be bitter to the taste, especially when freshly brewed. As with many types of coffees, it is possible to purchase a bag of whole Arabica beans as well as buy pre-ground coffee.
For people who love coffee but need to watch their consumption of caffeine, arabica coffee offers an alternative to purchasing decaffeinated coffees that are processed with harsh chemical to remove most of the caffeine content. While arabica coffee does contain more caffeine than most commercial decaffeinated products on the market today, the reduced amount is often enough to allow coffee fans to still enjoy a cup of their favorite beverage and not develop jitters later in the day. Fans of the coffee can also enjoy a cup after an evening meal and generally have no problems getting to sleep later in the evening.
