Arabica Coffee beans are the most popular type of coffee in the world, accounting for nearly 70 percent of global coffee production. While the beans today are grown all around the world from Vietnam to India to Brazil, Arabica beans date their origins back to approximately 1,000 BCE in the Kingdom of Kefa, located in modern day Ethiopia. The beans themselves were not referred to as “Arabica” until several centuries later in the 600s CE when the beans were introduced to the Arabian peninsula, where the name was derived from the region.
Since then, Arabica beans have gained popularity, due in part to their minimal acidity and bitterness levels and sweeter notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Arabica beans can be distinguished from other types of coffee beans visually, as Arabica beans are flat and elongated while maintaining a curved S-shaped groove.
While Brazil remains the world’s largest producer of Arabica beans, and all coffee beans in general, Vietnam in recent years has developed a thriving tradition of Arabica beans in addition to its long-standing tradition of Robusta coffee beans, for which the country is the world’s largest producer.
What sets Vietnam apart from other Arabica producing countries is the wide variety of micro-climates available throughout the country that are optimal for growing Arabica beans. While Arabica beans can be grown as low as at sea level, they grow best in high altitudes at low temperatures. Because of its position on the tectonically-active Pacific Rim, Vietnam is home to a wide variety of high-elevation micro-climates perfect for growing Arabica beans.
Da Lat, Vietnam, where all of Omni Bev’s Arabica and Robusta beans are grown, is home to such micro-climates. Omni Bev’s Da Lat farms are located 1500 meters above sea level in rich, red volcanic soil. The cool climate of Da Lat, Vietnam allows for Arabica beans grown in the region to fully mature while developing earthy undertones. The region is home to such fertile soil and optimal growing conditions that cacao beans are grown in the area alongside coffee beans.
Moreover, what makes Vietnamese Arabica beans stand out from those grown in other parts of the world is the country’s unique history with coffee. Throughout the 19th century, France developed a highly successful coffee agricultural industry in Vietnam, introducing both Arabica and Robusta beans to the region. By the mid-1900s, Vietnamese growers expanded their production, resulting in the country today being the world’s second largest producer of coffee beans of any type.
Today, while Robusta beans remain dominant in Vietnamese coffee culture, Arabica beans in the country have developed their own reputation for coffee drinkers looking for a less-caffeinated option. Likewise, it is very common to see Arabica and Robusta beans sold in bags blended together, allowing coffee drinkers to have the best of both worlds. Regardless, given their unique flavor profile and the optimal growing conditions of Vietnam’s micro-climates, Vietnamese Arabica beans are a delicious option for folks looking to drink coffee that prioritizes quality above all else.
To try Arabica beans from Vietnam for yourself, check out Omni Bev’s Premium Arabica Vietnamese Roasted Coffee. Omni Bev’s Arabica beans come as a medium full-bodied roast with rich and lively notes of chocolate, vanilla, and caramel. Grown in high-elevation micro-lots in the Central Highlands of Da Lat, Vietnam, Omni Bev’s Arabica beans are perfect for all coffee drinkers, whether you’re new to Vietnamese coffee or a long-time fan.
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