The difference between ARABICA and ROBUSTA

Kaficionados know that there are numerous types of coffee in the world. However, the most popular varieties are Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. But what is the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee? Here you can find out more about the topic and how the varieties differ from each other, e.g. through their different caffeine content.

Arabica and Robusta: What is the difference between the two varieties?

Until the Robusta coffee bean was discovered at the end of the 19th century, Arabica was the most popular bean on the market. It is known for being very aromatic, but in return is very sensitive and much more susceptible to disease. The Arabica bean also has more specific requirements in terms of climatic conditions. It only grows in high-altitude areas and prefers temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees. Ideally, the bean is harvested by hand by experts, as it is important that the Arabica bean has enough time to mature. Robusta, as the name suggests, is less susceptible to disease and tolerates fluctuations in temperature and humidity. For this reason, harvesting Robusta is easier and therefore cheaper. Nevertheless, Arabica coffee accounts for around 60 percent of sales on the global market.

Arabica and Robusta coffee growing regions

Both varieties grow around the equator, namely between 25° south latitude and 23° north latitude. The original home of the Arabica plant is Ethiopia, but the plant is very often cultivated in Central or South America. Asian countries are also discovering the trade in beans from this plant. Robusta beans are often harvested in Brazil, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Uganda or West Africa.

The differences between the two plants

It is interesting to note that the two varieties also differ visually, for example in the shape of the leaf or the flower. The leaves of the Arabica plant are more pointed and the fruits are distributed over the entire branch, while the beans of the Robusta plant are more likely to be found on the leaf axils. The beans of both varieties can be clearly distinguished by their color, shape and size. The Arabica bean has a flat shape, while the Robusta bean has a more rounded shape. In addition, the Arabica bean has a greenish color and the Robusta bean a brown-yellow color.

How do the two varieties differ in taste?

Arabica coffee impresses with a wide variety of aromas, tasting rather mild and less bitter. Around 800 aromas can be detected in this variety. Arabica can taste fruity, berry or even flowery. Robusta beans have a more earthy or nutty taste and contain more bitter substances in comparison. In terms of taste, these beans are therefore stronger and less variable than Arabica coffee.

Arabica and Robusta: the caffeine content of the varieties

The raw and unroasted Robusta bean contains almost twice as much caffeine and acidity as the Arabica bean. After roasting, Arabica beans have a caffeine content of between 1.1 and 1.7 percent, while the Robusta bean has a significantly higher caffeine content of 2 to 4.5 percent. Robusta coffee also has a higher content of chlorogenic acid. However, this actually undesirable ingredient is significantly reduced when the coffee beans are roasted. Robusta is often used in espresso, as a strong and full-bodied taste and a high caffeine content are desirable. It can be said that the Robusta bean is better than its reputation, as it is by no means the inferior variety. If you love coffee, you should enjoy the benefits of both varieties.