Final answer:
The two major coffee species grown for commercial use are Coffea Arabica (Arabica) and Coffea Canephora (Robusta). Arabica is known for its smoother flavor, while Robusta is more robust with a bitter taste and higher caffeine content.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two major coffee species that are grown for commercial use are Coffea Arabica, often referred to simply as Arabica, and Coffea Canephora, commonly known as Robusta.
rabica coffee is highly regarded for its smooth flavor and aroma and is the most popular species, accounting for over half of the world's coffee production.
In contrast, Robusta coffee is more resilient to disease and can be cultivated in harsher climates with lower altitudes; it tends to have a stronger and more bitter taste, and higher caffeine content than Arabica.
Arabica beans originated in the mountains of Yemen and Ethiopia, where they still grow wild today. These beans demand a cooler subtropical climate, higher elevations between 3,000 to 6,000 feet, and they are sensitive to harsh conditions.
On the other hand, Robusta beans thrive in a hotter, more tropical climate, and they are often grown in areas closer to the equator where they can withstand higher temperatures and variable climatic conditions.
Countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia are significant producers of these coffee species. Brazilian plantations lead the world in coffee bean production, while Vietnam primarily cultivates Robusta beans.
Colombia, formerly the largest coffee producer, is renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans and supports up to 500,000 small farms, contributing significantly to the global coffee market.