Robusta and Arabica are already familiar to coffee lovers because they have included two of the most produced and sold coffee beans in the world today. Even though it is popular wherever you enjoy it in coffee shops, many people still can’t tell the difference between Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee. Let’s discuss for a moment why these beans are unique, and which one would you like to choose for your next brew.
Arabica Coffee
The Arabian coffee or better known as Arabica coffee comes from the Arabica plant and is the first cultivated coffee type in the world. Right now, Arabian coffee has reached approximately 60% of global coffee production. The Arabica coffee is grown worldwide in Indonesia, Brazil, and Ethiopia, with high elevations and tropical conditions that are perfect for Arabian coffee plants. There are two Arabica coffee varieties, which are Typica and Bourbon.
Robusta Coffee
Robusta coffee is the second most popular coffee after Arabica with up to 40% of global coffee production. The Robusta coffee is more grown in the east, Indonesia, Africa, and Vietnam. The leading producer of this coffee in Vietnam. There are two most popular Robusta coffee varieties, which are Erecta and Nganda.
The Differences Between Robusta And Arabica coffee
If you look at the coffee beans, the shape between Arabica and Robusta looks similar. You can distinguish from the way of cultivation, appearance, and taste.
Cultivation
The Robusta plant is robust as the name suggests. The Robusta is resistant to disease and pests and grown at low altitudes. Pests hate the bitter taste of caffeine. Robusta coffee has sufficient microbial properties for the defense against plant diseases. Robusta is famous for its high caffeine content per bean. But it is also the reason that helps Robusta plants to be strong from disturbance.
While Arabica coffee plants need a lot of nutrients because they are fragile. The right place for Arabica plants is in sub-tropical climates, with high elevation in cool, lots of moisture, balance sunlight and shade, and nutrient-dense soil. You need the expertise to grow Arabica coffee because it is susceptible to pests, poor handling, and cold temperatures.
Caffeine
Sometimes there are coffee shops that write down the caffeine content per bean for each type of coffee they have. Knowing the caffeine content can help coffee connoisseurs determine which coffee has a strong taste according to their mainstay tastes.
Robusta coffee has 2.2 to 2.7% caffeine percentage per bean, and Arabica coffee has 1.2 to 1.5% caffeine percentage per bean. A cup of Robusta coffee has a higher caffeine percentage than a cup of Arabica coffee.
Taste
Several coffee shops can explain the taste of some of their coffee beans. But if you visit a coffee shop that can’t explain in detail, we will help you here.
Robusta has a bitter, peanut aftertaste, oatmeal-like flavor, with a hint of dark chocolate flavor. Robusta has an earthy taste and is harsher than Arabica, but has less acidity. Robusta is suitable for dark roasts, blends, and espresso.
The coffee shop will advise you to try Arabica coffee because it has a soft, sweet, and tangy taste. It has higher adicity and fruit-like aftertaste. The Arabica is the superior counterpart of Robusta in terms of balance, sweetness, and acidity.
