Arabica coffee, also known as “cà phê chè”, is one of the most popular coffee varieties grown in Vietnam. So where is the best Arabica coffee in Vietnam? Let’s explore with Hello 5 Coffee right away!
Why is Arabica Coffee Considered the World’s Best Coffee?
Arabica has long been highly regarded by coffee lovers worldwide for its delicate and refined flavor profile. This coffee variety originated from the tropical highlands of Ethiopia (East Africa), then spread to South America, where Brazil and Colombia are now leading exporters of high-quality Arabica coffee beans.
To achieve premium Arabica beans, the cultivation process is extremely demanding. In Vietnam, Arabica coffee is typically grown at altitudes between 1,000 – 1,600 meters above sea level. Besides special climate and soil conditions, Arabica requires meticulous care and hand-picking of ripe cherries to ensure optimal coffee quality.
Growing Conditions and Development Requirements for Arabica Coffee Plants
Arabica is a cold-loving plant that thrives best at temperatures around 18 – 24°C at altitudes of approximately 1,000 – 1,600 meters above sea level. The optimal rainfall for Arabica cultivation is around 1,200-1,500mm per year, and the soil for growing Arabica coffee needs a suitable pH level of about 4 – 8, with the optimal pH range being 5.2 – 6.2.
Globally, Arabica is cultivated in high-altitude regions such as Latin America, India, Central and East Africa. In Vietnam, regions with natural conditions very suitable for this variety include Da Lat, Quang Tri, Northwest regions, and other highland coffee growing areas.
Comparison Between Arabica and Robusta Coffee Varieties
When mentioning coffee, these two names always go together. These are the two most popular coffee types in the world as well as in Vietnam.
Regarding growing conditions, Robusta thrives at lower elevations than Arabica, typically below 800 meters above sea level. Robusta tolerates higher temperatures than Arabica and has higher yields as well as better resistance to pests and diseases.
Arabica coffee beans have an elongated shape with a wavy groove in the middle. Meanwhile, Robusta beans are smaller and more rounded, with the middle groove usually having a straight line. Additionally, the caffeine content in Arabica beans is only 1.5%, while this content in Robusta beans is much higher at 2.5%. Regarding fat and sugar content: Arabica contains over 60% fats and nearly double the sugar amount compared to Robusta. This factor is the major reason affecting the flavor difference between these two coffee types.
Each coffee type carries its own distinctive flavor and characteristics. Robusta has a strong bitter taste that represents the soul and essence of coffee. Arabica, on the other hand, is gentle and subtle with a mild, enchanting acidity and a light bitter aftertaste that captivates coffee enthusiasts with this exquisite flavor.
Read now: Arabica vs Robusta Coffee Beans
Where is the Best Arabica Coffee Grown in Vietnam?
Arabica Coffee Growing Region Cau Dat – Da Lat
Lam Dong Province is blessed by nature with fertile red basalt soil very suitable for growing perennial industrial crops like coffee. The first Arabica coffee varieties planted in Cau Dat were Yellow Bourbon and Typica, which are beloved by many for their enchanting aroma and flavor. A taste that is both refreshingly acidic and slightly bitter, creating the elegance of premium coffee products. With its year-round cold climate and misty weather, Da Lat is considered the paradise of Arabica coffee growing.
Hello 5 Coffee Whole Bean Roasted Arabica Coffee from Cau Dat
Located at an altitude of approximately 1,500 – 1,600 meters above sea level, Cau Dat (Da Lat) is blessed by nature with a cool climate year-round, fertile red basalt soil, and characteristic misty coverage. These are the ideal conditions that create Cau Dat Arabica beans with a gentle acidic flavor, light sweet aftertaste, refined bitterness, and luxurious aroma.
Proud to own one of Vietnam’s finest Arabica coffee bean regions, Hello 5 Coffee is committed to bringing customers DELICIOUS – HIGH QUALITY – CONSISTENT roasted coffee products with authentic original taste, designed for coffee lovers who want to explore the complete essence of Vietnamese Arabica specialty coffee.
Arabica Coffee Growing Region Khe Sanh – Quang Tri
The Khe Sanh Arabica brand has become a famous coffee brand throughout Vietnam. In Huong Hoa district, Quang Tri province, there are over 5,000 hectares of coffee plantations. This area was chosen as a pilot region for high-quality coffee production models. The people of Quang Tri as well as Huong Hoa have gradually become aware of the importance and pride of the Khe Sanh Arabica coffee brand from their region. In 2012, Khe Sanh Arabica coffee achieved export value of up to 25 million USD and is gradually entering the global coffee market.
Northwest Arabica Coffee Growing Region
In the North, the cold climate is influenced by Northeast monsoon winds, along with heavy rainfall and an indistinct dry season. These are also advantages that help Arabica coffee grow and develop. Therefore, this region has formed coffee areas with excellent flavors, such as Son La province.
Arabica becomes more delicious and higher quality when grown at appropriate altitude and cold conditions. Son La, with its advantage of being over 1,300 meters above sea level, is an extremely suitable place for growth and development. Besides, Son La with its overlapping mountain system surrounded by basins and plateaus allows Arabica coffee to be grown on slopes at the foot of mountain ranges or on agricultural hills. Combined with the rainy, cold climate, this produces high-quality coffee beans.
Thus, it can be seen that each Arabica growing region in Vietnam carries its own unique natural conditions, creating distinctive flavors that cannot be mixed. From Cau Dat and Khe Sanh to Son La, Vietnamese Arabica is gradually asserting its position on the world coffee map. Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand these famous coffee bean regions, and we wish you find the right Arabica coffee that suits your taste to fully enjoy the essence of Vietnamese coffee culture.
