You might have noticed Arabica or Robusta mentioned on your favorite coffee drinks or coffee blends, got you wonder what exactly is Arabica and Robusta? What does it mean? What are the differences between Arabica vs Robusta?
If you are curious about the coffee beans in your cup of coffee, then rest assure we have covered it all. Arabica and Robusta are two of the most popular coffee beans available today. Arabica coffee makes up nearly 70% of the total coffee production while Robusta counts for the remaining 25%.
The Difference between Arabica vs Robusta Coffee Bean
While they have many similarities, there are also a few key differences. In this article, we’ll explore these differences, as well as the unique characteristics of each type of coffee bean.
What is Coffee Arabica?
Arabica coffee, also known as the specialty coffee, comes from a particular species of the plant called coffea arabica. According to an estimate, coffee arabica can be traced back to the lands of Arabia, particularly Ethiopia. This was the first coffee plant discovered by Islamic Monks who started using these coffee plants to stay awake while meditating.
This was the very first use of this magical drink and from there it spread around the world through travelers and merchants. Later on, different species of coffee were discovered in different regions of the world but none of them is comparable to Coffee Arabica.
What is Robusta?
Robusta on the other hand comes from a plant named coffea canephora that first originated from the lands of Africa or sub Saharan regions. This coffee is a bit bitter and cheap and is used as filler in coffee blends, espresso and instant coffee.
Appearance
When placed together, both Arabica and Robusta can be differentiated easily. Arabica coffee beans are oval and slightly larger in size compared to Robusta. It has an irregular shape and olive to pale green color.
Robusta is slightly smaller in size and round in shape. It has a straight center cut and is brown in color.
The Flavor Profile
Flavor preference is a very personal choice, some people prefer Arabica and some Robusta. Both have a unique flavor profile. Arabica being the specialty coffee has a sweeter, less acidic taste with a chocolaty, nutty and caramel flavor. While sipping, you may also observe a fruity aroma. This particular flavor profile makes it the best coffee for cold brews.
On the other hand, the flavor profile of Robusta ranges between neutral to harsh. It has a rubbery or grain like flavor often with a peanut aftertaste and brews a bolder cup of coffee.
Robusta has a unique genetic composition. It has a high amount of chlorogenic acids and caffeine that leads to a bitter taste. Due to its flavor profile it is referred to as cheaper coffee and mostly used in pre ground instant coffee or at coffee shops who neutralize the bold bitter flavor with sugar or cream in cappuccinos or cold brew coffee.
Caffeine Content
Arabica has less caffeine as compared to Robusta. Arabica coffee has 1.5% of caffeine while Robusta contains 2.7%. If you are monitoring your caffeine intake then you can freely choose between the two. Due to less caffeine content in Arabica it tastes sweeter as compared to Robusta.
As Arabica coffee has less caffeine content it is the best coffee for French press and other varieties of coffee like traditional pour-over coffee and stove top coffee. While Robusta is suitable for latte and other coffee brews that have a shorter extraction time.
Production
Coffee production involves a chain of processes. Both coffee species Arabica and Robusta follow the same production and processing techniques. The coffee beans are actually the seeds of berries red in color. These berries are first harvested and then passed through the process of sorting, pulping, and fermenting and then moved to the drying process. After drying, these berries are moved to the grading process.
Arabica coffee is the most sensitive coffee species, a slight carelessness can damage the crop, so it is considered the most expensive one in terms of production so poor farmers with small budgets do not grow Arabica rather they go for Robusta as it can withstand harsh conditions and does not require much attention.
The Robusta is therefore considered a low quality coffee because the poor farmers prefer quantity over quality. However, the quality of robust can be improved by using high standard processing. But to produce that fine quality Robusta farmers do not have investment, therefore the Robusta remained a low quality, cheap coffee bean.
According to USDA in 2017, Brazil is the largest coffee producer with 33% of total coffee production while Vietnam counts for 18% and Colombia and Indonesia collectively produce remaining 33% of coffee beans
Growing Environment
Robusta coffee trees are harvested at an altitude of 200-800 meters and can grow up to 32 feet high. Robusta flourishes in lowland areas like the rain forest. These coffee beans are resistant to diseases and weather conditions. These coffee beans can withstand temperatures ranging from 75 – 80 degrees with an annual rainfall of about 60 inches and even more. Due to its low cost production, farmers prefer to grow these beans in large quantities.
On the contrary, the Arabica coffee plant is fragile. It requires an optimum amount of temperature, shade, humidity, sunlight and slight change can change the crop. Due to its fragility. It is highly susceptible to pests and other fungal diseases. This is the reason it’s the most expensive coffee as it costs much to the growers to maintain these specific growing conditions and protect them from diseases.
These coffee plants are grown at an altitude of 600 to 2000 meters from the sea level, preferably in the sub-tropical regions. These coffee plants grow up to 20 feet high and require an optimum temperature of 60 – 75 degrees to grow properly.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, both Arabica vs Robusta have their unique flavor, aroma and richness. Arabica is known for its mesmerizing and sweet flavors and it has a higher production cost therefore it is the most expensive coffee while Robusta has a bitter taste and is a bit cheaper.
When brewing a cup of coffee what would you choose? Arabica or Robusta