When it comes to making a perfect cup of coffee the choice of right coffee beans plays an important role. And in this choice the debate of Arabica vs Robusta is what every coffee lover has to eventually face. These two coffee beans are most widely used worldwide and are a common choice of the coffee lovers. But which bean will make your perfect cup of coffee? Well for that understanding the difference between coffee beans is important.
Be it Arabica or Robusta each bean of coffee has its own flavor profile, aroma and caffeine content. In this article on Arabica vs Robusta coffee we will see the key difference between the two coffee beans that will help you to make the right choice for your cup of coffee.
What is Arabica Coffee?
Arabica coffee is made up from the beans that come from the Arabica plant. It is one of the most popular types of coffee consumed worldwide. It makes up to 70% of the global coffee production. Arabica coffee is grown in many countries of the world including Indonesia and Brazil. Bourbon and Typica are the two most popular types of Arabica coffee.
What is Robusta Coffee?
Robusta coffee is made up of the beans that come from the Coffea Canephora plant. It is the second most popular coffee in the world. It makes up to 40% of the global coffee production. Robusta coffee is grown worldwide including countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, Uganda etc. Nganda and Erecta are the two most popular types of Robusta coffee.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Taste
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
Arabica coffee has a complex flavor profile including sugar, chocolate, fruits, nuts, berries and florals. It is sweeter in taste and has higher acidity than Robusta coffee.
Robusta Coffee has a strong bitter taste with earthy, nutty and chocolaty notes. It has an oatmeal-like taste and a peanut-like aftertaste. It has less acidic taste and is less sweet in comparison to Arabica coffee.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Caffeine Level
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
It has a lower caffeine level with the percentage of (1.2-1.5%) in comparison to Robusta coffee. The less caffeine level contributes to sweet and less bitter taste and makes it ideal for brewing methods.
It has a higher caffeine level with the percentage of (2.2-2.7%) in comparison to Arabica coffee. The high caffeine level contributes to its strong and bitter flavor and makes it ideal for espresso blend and instant coffee with strong taste.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Aroma
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
Arabica coffee has a classical coffee scent. It has a pleasant fragrance due to the higher concentration of aromatic oil and natural sugar. When brewed, it gives a delicate, soothing aroma. Arabica coffee’s aroma is also one the reasons for its popularity among coffee lovers.
Robusta coffee aroma is somewhat similar to that of burnt rubber. It has a strong earthy and intense aroma. Due to the higher concentration of caffeine and lower level of natural sugar it gives a nutty, slightly burnt and bitter aroma.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee:Shape
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
Arabica Coffee beans are oval in shape with a curved center which looks like ‘S’. The oval shape is due to the shorter height of Arabica plants. Its beans are large, flatter and light in color in comparison to Robusta beans.
Robusta Coffee beans are round in shape with a straight center. The round shape is due to the taller height of Robust beans. Its beans are smaller, more compact and slightly dark in comparison to Arabica coffee.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Sugar & Lipids
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
Arabica coffee has more natural sugar and lipids in comparison to Robusta coffee. It has twice the amount of sugar and lipids than Robusta coffee which reduces its bitterness and gives a sweeter taste.
Robusta coffee has less natural sugar and lipids in comparison to Arabica coffee. It has half the amount of sugar and lipids than Arabica coffee which makes it more stronger and bitter in flavour.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Roast Level
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
Arabica Coffee is roasted light to medium level to preserve its natural sweetness, flavor and aroma. The medium roasts balance its acidity while maintaining its aroma.
Robusta Coffee is roasted dark to medium level to reduce its natural bitterness.The dark roast enhances its earthy, nutty and chocolaty flavor.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Cultivation
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
Arabica coffee beans are grown at higher altitudes between (2000-60000)ft. Its beans are grown at cooler temperatures, with dense soil and a lot of moisture. They need consistent rainfall and balance of sun and shade for optimal growth. Arabica beans need more care, that’s why they are expensive.
Robusta Coffee beans are grown at a lower altitude ( up to 2000 ft) in comparison to Arabica beans. It is usually grown at hotter temperatures but can withstand harsher temperatures, different growing conditions direct sunlight and irregular rainfalls.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Chlorogenic Acid Content
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
It has less chlorogenic acid content in comparison to Robusta beans between (5.5-8)%. The less chlorogenic acid in Arabica coffee gives it a smoother and less bitter taste.
It has more chlorogenic acid content in comparison to Arabica beans between (7-10)%. The more chlorogenic acid in Robusta coffee contributes to its bitter taste.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Price
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
Arabica coffee is more expensive than Robusta coffee due to its specific growing conditions and requires more energy and resources to grow.
Robusta coffee is less expensive than Arabica coffee as it is easier and cheaper to grow and produce.
Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee: Applications
Arabica Coffee
Robusta Coffee
Arabica coffee makes up to 70% of the global coffee production. It is mostly used by specialty high end coffee brands.It is used for brewing premium coffee, drip coffee, pour-over and single origin coffee.
Robusta coffee makes up to 40% of the global coffee production. It is mostly used by commercial brands.It is used in espresso blends (for crema), instant coffee drinks and with different coffee blends to boost the caffeine level.
Choosing Between Arabica Vs Robusta Coffee Beans
The choice between the Arabica Vs Robusta coffee beans solely depends on your own taste. The above comparison must have helped you to make the right choice for your perfect cup of coffee. Among the two coffee beans Arabica is most widely consumed due to its natural sweet and less bitter taste than Robusta. If you like sweet, fruity flavors and want to enjoy complex coffee flavors then Arabica beans will make your perfect cup of coffee. If you prefer a bitter, earthy taste than Robusta beans will make your perfect cup of coffee.
Kovo coffee sources the best coffee beans in Indonesia. It sources Indonesian Arabica and Robusta coffee directly from high-altitude farms and supplies globally to cafes, roasters, restaurants, importers, distributors, and online brands. It offers the two of the most consumed coffees worldwide and ensures that everyone can experience the rich flavors and aroma of the Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.
