Arabica vs Robusta Differences

Arabica vs Robusta is a long going debate. Coffea Arabica & Coffea Canephora or Robusta are the two coffee species that farmers prefer cultivating. Coffee education offers significant aspects of this vast theme. The Arabica vs Robusta discussions are very common. There is no correct answer. It all depends on what weight is given to certain properties of each plant.

COFFEE TREE SELECTION

The coffee trees are the single most important factor in coffee production. There are more than 20 varieties of coffee trees. Coffee bean producers first take into consideration their local climate status. Second they check the Arabica vs Robusta issue. 

Arabica is a native species of Ethiopia. It is the oldest one known. Robusta was discovered in Zaire in the late 19th century. The Arabica vs Robusta concern was one of the first raised issues. The coffee producing countries use both of them in their production lines according to their plans for quality, quantity and price range. 

Arabica vs Robusta fact: Arabica is viewed as superior to Robusta. Quality and price are rated much higher.

Both beans look almost identical. The name Robusta leads someone to think that these beans are larger than Arabica. This is wrong. 

Arabica vs Robusta facts: (a) Arabica beans are a little larger than Robusta. (b) The shape of Arabica beans has an elliptical shape. Robusta beans are more circular.

ARABICA vs ROBUSTA TABLE OF DIFFERENCES

There is a production cost difference between these beans during coffee harvesting. Arabica ready cherries tend to fall on the ground as oppose to Robusta. 

Arabica vs Robusta fact: Arabica cherries are handpicked by skillful workforce at regular intervals. Robusta can be even mechanically picked.

CHOOSING THE BEST COFFEE BEAN

Nowadays 65% of the world’s coffee bean production is Arabica. The Arabica vs Robusta ratio will change in the near future. Due to the global economic recession farmers are increasing the number of Robusta trees. This action provides faster growing fruits to keep up with demand for lower price beans. 

Arabica vs Robusta fact: The higher price products tend to have more Arabica content.   

Most gourmet/premium coffee is produced from 100% Arabica beans. Arabica beans grow at high altitude. This means longer time to mature. The beans produce adequate oils that give coffee its special aroma. 

Arabica vs Robusta fact: The blends that contain greater quantity of Arabica beans than Robusta are labeled as high-quality.

Robusta beans are considered inferior in taste and aroma than Arabica. Regardless of these known ‘cons’, Robusta beans acquire some ‘pros’. These pros are very important in the non-expensive coffee business. Many coffee companies that produce instant coffee need a lot of Robusta.

Arabica vs Robusta fact: Mass ordinary coffee is mostly made by 100% Robusta. It can also be a blend of Robust with little percentage of Arabica. 

THE NECESSITY OF THE COFFEE BLENDS

The best blends are usually a mixture of coffee beans from diverse origins. They could contain 100% Arabica or portions of Robusta and Arabica. The coffee blends that gained the “superior” label are a mixture of the two coffee species. 

Arabica vs Robusta fact: The Arabica bean provides the strong flavor. The Robusta offers the froth and the caffeine.

Arabica coffee is preferred for straight consumption. Robusta is excellent for blends (especially for espresso types). It provides body to the beverage but is not pleasant when drunk alone. The taste of Arabica coffee beans alters among varieties and growing regions. 

Arabica vs Robusta fact: Poor-bad quality Arabica blends taste lower than superior Robusta.