Coffea is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. They are shrubs or small trees native to tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia.
There are two main types of coffee tree:
- Delicately flavoured, aromatic, high in acidity
- Fruity, citrus, nutty, floral
- 50% less caffeine than Robusta
- Grows at high altitude (800m to 2000m)
- Prone to disease and pests
- Used for specialty coffee, decaf and higher quality instant
Robusta (coffea canephora)
- Less aroma and flavour, full bodied, strong, good crema
- High caffeine content
- Grows in low elevations (below 700m)
- Robust and disease resistant
- Sometimes added to blends for crema and strength
- Often used in instant coffee