Types of Coffee Plants: A Brewtiful Journey Through Coffee Plant Varieties
- SEO Team
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
A life without coffee is like a Monday without the benefit of the snooze button. You are not alone if you have ever caught yourself wondering from what sort of plant comes the coffee bean while taking the third sip of this wonderful black liquid on such joyous occasions. Coffee comes from a family of plants aptly termed Coffea, and there are as many variations of drinking coffee as there are kinds of coffee plants that fuel our caffeine-driven lives.
Today, we shall try to delve into the enchanting world of coffee plants, covering different types of coffee plants found in India and giving additional mention to the hardy variant (yes, types of Robusta coffee plants in India, looking at you). So, pour yourself another mug, and let's go!
What Type of Plant Does the Coffee Bean Come From?
A brief roundup about coffee beans before we get into varietal details. These coffee beans are, in fact, seeds of the Coffea plant. Evergreen shrubs or small trees, Coffea plants thrive in tropical climates and are choosy about where they spend their lives. Such high altitudes, mild temperatures, and rich, well-drained soil are their perfect conditions. Out of 120+ species in the Coffea genus, a few of them are the stars of our morning routine.
Fun fact: The flowers are white, very much like jasmine, and will give way to coffee cherries. This coffee cherry contains those beans that keep us awake in Zoom meetings. Magical right?
The Main Types of Coffee Plants
The time now is to introduce the giants. On a worldwide level, there are two main species of coffee plants that rule over our cups, Arabica and Robusta. Other varieties can find plenty of space to be a member of the coffee family.
Arabica (Coffea Arabica)
Arabica is the smooth, elegant, and mildly high-maintenance type of that cousin we all hate to love who shows up to the family court. This coffee-producing plant accounts for about 60 percent of the global coffee production. It grows best at great heights and in cooler climates, resulting in sweeter-tasting beans with some hints of fruit and sugar. If you love your coffee with a light body and low caffeine content, then Arabica is your choice. And yes, it grows in India, particularly in states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Robusta (Coffea Canephora)
Robusta is a word used aptly here. This odd ball is grown more robustly, so much so that it comes with about double the caffeine level of Arabica. The plants grow well at lower altitudes and have also developed resistance to pests and diseases, making for a very comfortable farmer.
Indian Robusta coffee plants offer gems like Selection 274 and CxR (a Cross between Congensis and Robusta). Robusta beans make for a stronger, earthier flavour, with a tinge of bitterness-just right for all espresso lovers who enjoy heavy-bodied, bold coffee and bolder mornings.
Read Next: Arabica Coffee vs Robusta Coffee
Different Types of Coffee Plants in India: A Rich Blend
India's diverse climate and rich soils have types suited for both Arabica and Robusta coffee aficionados. Here are some of the varieties you should know about:
Selection 9 (Arabica): Available in outstanding quality cups, this award-winning variety has excellent resistance to rust disease. It's a smooth, aromatic profile that allows connoisseurs to enjoy drinking it.
Sln 795 (Arabica): Also known as Selection 795, it is one of the most widely cultivated Arabica types in India that is noted for its balanced flavor and superior yield.
Selection 274 (Robusta): One of the most unusual varieties of Robusta coffees in India; it is highly appreciated for its toughness and uniform flavor profile.
CxR (Robusta): Hybrid variety does the best of both worlds, hardiness and high productivity. Hence, this is widely cultivated in Indian coffee estates.
With these varieties, India can have one of the few countries that could well produce Arabica and Robusta in such finesse. The region has earned global acclaim when it comes to coffee coming from Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Wayanad!
Swasya Living: Your Slice of Managed Farmland Amidst Coffee Bliss
With its beautifully managed farmland set amidst lush coffee plantations, Swasya Living promises a refreshing getaway. You are not merely owners of land; you live sustainably with the rich aromas of fresh coffee infused into the charm of nature's tranquility. This offers ideal investment and indulgence for coffee lovers and green thumbs alike!
Wrapping Up Your Coffee Plant Journey
As they say, while enjoying this coffee-fuelled crash course on the various types of coffee plants that enliven our mornings (and night hours), from the graceful Arabica to the daring Robusta, one can agree with me that coffee is much more than just a beverage: it is a whole botanical affair! The next time someone asks, "What type of plant does the coffee bean come from?" one can trump it along the lines of, "From the fabulous Coffea genus, my friend!" You may choose to add more brownie points by providing some details about the types of Robusta coffee plants found in India.
Now go ahead; pour yourself a cup. You deserve it!