There are essentially two different types of coffee beans people use to make coffee; Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica beans are preferred by connoisseurs, as they are considered to be more flavorful and produce a better tasting cup of brew.
About seventy-five percent of beans harvested worldwide is Arabica.
The other twenty-five percent of coffee grown is Robusta.
Robusta coffee beans are less popular as they have a somewhat bitter taste.
They are often used for instant coffee or mixed with Arabica beans.
The primary reason that Robusta beans are grown at all is that they are easier to grow, and can be thrive in a much wider range of climates.
Robusta beans also have about twice the caffeine as Arabcia beans.
There are many other different species of coffee, but only a few other types are used to brew coffee, and they are mostly grown only for local use.
Rarely are they ever found in the grocery store or coffee shop.
Most "named" gourmet coffees are Arabica since it has a more popular flavor.
There are many variations of Arabica beans, each with its own different flavor and aroma, depending on the climate, soil and local geography and every coffee connoisseur has their own favorite brew.
Africa A number of African countries produce coffee beans, and coffee is an important cash crop for many impoverished nations.
Ethiopia is the legendary source of all coffee, and a number of different varieties are grown there.
Ethiopian coffee is known for low acidity and a somewhat spicy flavor.
Tanzania is known for peaberry coffee, which grows on coffee trees, but the single "peaberry" bean is used instead of the usual double beans.
South America Columbia is a major exporter of coffee, and produces around ten percent of the world's Arabica beans.
Juan Valdez, a fictional character, is a well known symbol of Columbian coffee growers and is owned by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Columbia.
Costa Rica produces less coffee than Columbia, but is known for a number of high quality gourmet beans.
Costa Rica coffees are crisp with a slightly citrus or berry flavor and a hint of spice.
Brazil is also a major worldwide exporter of Arabica, and Brazilian coffees are known for their low acidic, light and mild flavors.
Asia The island of Java produces coffee beans that have a full body and earthy flavors, although this can vary.
Sumatra is also known for its coffees that are usually low in acid with an earthy flavor.
Vietnam must also be mentioned as a coffee producer.
Nearly all of the coffee produced in Vietnam is the less popular Robusta variety due to the climate, but Robusta beans are produced in great quantity and are mixed with Arabica beans from around the world.
Tropical Islands Any discussion of gourmet coffee must include both Hawaiian Kona coffee and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.
Both are grown in very limited areas on the sides of mountains and volcanoes.
They are considered to be some of the finest coffees grown, and are quite expensive due to the limited areas that they can be harvested.