Coffee Beans — Origins Types and Varieties

Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world but every great cup begins with the right beans. Grown in tropical regions and shaped by climate soil and farming tradition coffee beans exist in many varieties each with its own unique story and flavor.

At Alamara we are dedicated to sourcing high-quality green coffee beans from trusted farmers on Flores Island Indonesia. This region is known for its distinctive taste characteristics and rich coffee heritage passed down through generations.

Where Did Coffee Come From
The story of coffee begins in Ethiopia where the wild coffee plant was first discovered. From there it traveled to Yemen then across the Arabian Peninsula and eventually reached other parts of the world. Today coffee is cultivated along the Coffee Belt an equatorial region that includes parts of Africa Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

Some of the world’s leading coffee producers include Brazil which is known for smooth and nutty profiles. Vietnam is a major source of Robusta beans known for their bold and intense flavor. Colombia is famed for mild Arabica beans with bright acidity. Indonesia produces earthy and full-bodied coffees with lower acidity. Ethiopia as the birthplace of Arabica offers floral and fruity coffee varieties.

Within Indonesia regions such as Flores Sumatra and Sulawesi are celebrated for producing coffee with deep body earthy undertones and unique regional notes that reflect the diversity of their landscapes.

Main Types of Coffee Beans
There are four primary species of coffee plants but only two dominate global production Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans account for around 60 to 70 percent of the world’s coffee supply. These beans grow at higher elevations and are known for their smooth balanced taste often featuring fruity or floral notes with mild acidity. Arabica is commonly used in specialty and premium coffee markets.

Robusta on the other hand is a hardier plant that grows at lower altitudes and contains higher caffeine levels. Its flavor is strong bold and earthy often with a bitter edge. Robusta beans are widely used in espresso blends instant coffee and for industrial roasting.

Other species such as Liberica and Excelsa are cultivated in smaller quantities and are less common in the international market.

Coffee Varieties and Their Impact on Flavor
Within the Arabica and Robusta categories there are many different cultivated varieties each contributing specific flavor profiles. Typica is a classic Arabica variety known for its smooth and sweet taste. Bourbon offers a good body and mild sweetness. Catimor is a hybrid that grows well in Indonesia valued for its resistance to disease. S795 is another popular variety in Indonesia offering both high yields and a well-balanced flavor.

The combination of plant variety with soil altitude and climate determines the final taste of a coffee bean giving each origin its signature profile.

Why This Matters for Buyers
Understanding the type and origin of coffee beans is essential for buyers. Arabica is best for those seeking mild smooth flavors while Robusta is ideal for bold strong coffee blends. The intended end use — whether for specialty coffee espresso instant blends or industrial roasting — will determine which bean type is most suitable.

Arabica typically commands a higher market value especially in premium segments. In addition single-origin beans offer transparency traceability and unique flavor experiences that appeal to quality-focused consumers.

At Alamara we source both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans from the highlands of Flores where volcanic soil and cool climate result in a balanced body mild acidity and a hint of natural sweetness. These characteristics make our beans ideal for both specialty and commercial applications.

Looking for Distinctive Indonesian Coffee Beans
Reach out to Alamara today to explore our selection of premium coffee beans grown on Flores Island. We are committed to connecting you with authentic Indonesian coffee that reflects the land and the people who cultivate it with care.