Description
Origin
Coffea arabica, better known as Arabica coffee, originates from the highlands of Ethiopia. It then spread to Yemen before reaching the rest of the world. Today, it is one of the most widespread and cultivated types of coffee globally, accounting for nearly 60% of the world’s coffee production.
Characteristics
Coffea arabica is a shrub or small evergreen tree that can reach a height of 5 meters, but is usually kept at 2 to 3 meters to facilitate harvesting. It has shiny dark green leaves and very fragrant white flowers. The fruit goes through a biennial cycle, from flowering to the final coffee cherry, which turns red when ripe and usually contains two seeds or “beans.”
Care
Coffea arabica prefers rich, well-drained soil and plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. It requires a stable temperature between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius and does not thrive well in areas where the temperature frequently drops below 13 degrees. It also needs a lot of water, with regular and balanced fertilization. Finally, the plants are pruned to promote compact and dense growth and to focus energy on fruit production.
