Arabica grows at higher altitude, usually above 2,600 feet; it can grow at altitudes of 8,000 ft. It is characterized by fine aroma, less body and pleasant acidity. Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Central America, Mexico, India, Eastern Africa are among the best-known Arabica producing countries.

Robusta is less expensive,  grown at low altitude, from sea level to about 2,600 ft and is characterized by a strong body and very little acidity. It has greater caffeine content and is often used as the major component of inexpensive commercial coffee.  It is mainly grown in Vietnam, Brazil and Indonesia. A ground coffee with high Robusta content can be identified by the presence of noticeable amounts of larger particles of husk.