Arabica vs Robusta Coffee Beans: Comparing and Contrasting

Many people wish to drink a cup of their favourite flavour of coffee every morning. They are very conscious about how they choose the coffee bags and prepare coffee every time. This is because they understand that different types of coffee species provide different coffee flavours. It is the suitable time to focus on the coffee Arabica and coffee Robusta as comprehensive as possible. Robusta coffee is the second most popular coffee in the world beyond doubt. This type of coffee is made from the seeds of the Coffea canephora plant which is originated in the central and western sub-Saharan Africa.

Arabica vs Robusta coffee beans

Arabica from the Coffea Arabica is the first most popular coffee in the world and preferred by residents of many countries. It is the suitable time to compare Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in detail in terms of the size and oil content. Arabica coffee beans are oval and flat in shape. However, Robusta coffee beans are smaller and rounder in shape. Arabica packs smooth, light and sweet taste whereas Robusta packs strong, bitter and powerful taste. Arabica has more oils in its bean. On the other hand, Robusta has less oil. Arabica packs more fruity, sweet and zesty flavours. Robusta packs earthy, natural and heavier flavours. Arabica and Robusta beans account for 75% and 25% of the coffee on the market respectively. Arabica is more expensive than Robusta.

The main factors to consider for differentiating the Arabic and Robusta coffee beans are taste, growing conditions and price. The acidity in the Arabica coffee beans is higher and tastes like wine with excellent acidity. On the other hand, Robusta has a harsh and strong taste with a grain-like overtone and also peanutty aftertaste. Robusta is considered to be of inferior quality when compared to Arabica. This plant grows at low altitude when compared to Arabica and less vulnerable to weather conditions and pests. This plant produces fruits more quickly than Arabicas. However, Arabica needs several years to become matured and yield the maximum crop per tree. Robusta is grown in the Eastern Hemisphere especially in Indonesia and Africa. Arabica beans are grown in Papua New Guinea and Africa. Some countries like India and Brazil produce both Robusta and Arabica.

Consider important things

Caffeine in Robusta is two times higher than caffeine in Arabica. If you choose a coffee blend, then you have to remember this fact and decide on how to successfully brew coffee as per your wishes. Experts in the coffee blends and origins these days provide the best guidelines to successfully choose and purchase the coffee beans. The first-class Robusta does not fail to add depth of flavour to the Robusta/ Arabica blend which is a nice cream to any espresso blend. Robusta coffee plant can withstand hot temperature 30 degrees Celsius or over and is a resilient little plant. This plant is likely to stay hydrated and requiring maximum water to grow at low altitudes. White flowers of this plant smell like jasmine. This fruit does not ripen entirely at the same time. The same branch of the Robusta has ripe and unripe fruits.

Brazil is one of the main Arabica producers. Vietnam produces the maximum Robusta coffee beans. Though 25% of the world’s coffee production is Robusta, many people worldwide like this flavour and seek where to get high-quality yet affordable Robusta coffee bean packs. The Chlorogenic acid content in the Robusta is 7 to 10% and Arabica is 5 to 5.8%. The height of the Arabica plant is from 2.5to 4.5 meters when compared to 4.5 to 6 meters height of Robusta plant. Arabica beans are more oval and Robusta beans are more circular. Arabia is known by its high-quality nature and Robusta is usually used as a cost reducer or filler.

Choose and buy the best suitable coffee beans

In general, Robusta is widely used to make espresso blends in particular Italian style blends. This coffee bean is used to enhance the cream. You may not find Robusta in a coffee blend every so often. Robusta is less sensitive to insects.  The green beans of Robusta are about the half the price of the Arabia green beans. Arabica beans contain 60% more lipids and two times the concentration of sugar when compared to Robusta. This is an important behind the increased taste of the Arabica and overall interests of coffee fans worldwide to prefer the Arabica over Robusta.  Robusta has more caffeine when compared to Arabica. This nature makes the Robusta beans bitter and unpleasant drink. The caffeine content in the Arabica is 1.5% and Robusta is 2.7%.