The Russian website “TEA.ru” published a comprehensive analysis by coffee experts, including a detailed comparison between the two most famous types of coffee in the world, Arabica and Robusta, including many characteristics that distinguish the two types from various aspects.
The analysis concluded by explaining many aspects that make either of the two types suitable for this or that person, and due to the importance of this analysis, we are publishing a summary of it.
“Arabica or Robusta?” – An eternal question pondered by coffee enthusiasts. As is well known, there is no final answer to it, but we will try to explain the difference between these two types simply and clearly.
Fact: Without Robusta, Arabica wouldn’t have appeared
There are several types of coffee in the world, but in retail stores, you will only find two types – Arabica and Robusta with various variations. And their blend. At the same time, many tend to treat the first type with respect and the second with a hint of disdain. This distinction is particularly noticeable in sales figures: Arabica is demanded at a rate close to double that of Robusta (60-70% of global production) compared to Robusta (30-40%). However, Arabica wouldn’t have appeared at all without Robusta!
Arabica (also known as Arabian coffee) is the result of crossing Robusta with a rare and unprofitable species for industrial agriculture called Eugenioides.
Arabica coffee trees require careful care, fertilizers, and high slopes – from 600 meters above sea level, while Robusta (Congolese coffee), on the other hand, mostly only needs warmth.
Taste
In terms of taste, Arabica takes the lead by a wide margin, leaving Robusta far behind. This is because Arabica coffee beans contain half the sugars compared to Robusta. The drink turns sweeter, even if sweeteners are not added. Moreover, its taste profile varies greatly due to a larger number of fruity acids, giving Arabica a noticeable acidity logically.
Robusta, on the other hand, is always about rich bitterness, due to the high content of caffeine and tannins. The coffee made from Robusta is smooth, without surprises from floral to citrus. It contains a lot of chlorogenic acid, but acidic taste is not its characteristic.
Price
As for the price, Robusta wins. Since the conditions for growing this variety do not require special efforts and financial investments, the price of the final product also differs significantly from the stubborn Arabica cost.
Bean Characteristics
Bean characteristics are not very important, but they are interesting. Robusta coffee beans can be easily distinguished from Arabica, especially if they are placed side by side. Robusta coffee beans appear smaller in size, more round, and multicolored, while Arabica stands out long, large, and with equal “tan”.
What is the ideal coffee for you? Arabica or Robusta?
Based on all the above, we can present you with some characteristics that can indicate the most suitable coffee for you as follows:
Arabica coffee will suit you more if:
- Natural sweetness is important to you.
- You prefer rich flavors.
- You don’t mind acidity.
- You don’t need a lot of caffeine.
- You prepare coffee in the Turkish, French, or filter method.
- The presence of distinctive foam (crema) is not important to you.
- You are willing to pay the price.
Robusta coffee will suit you more if:
- You always put sugar in your coffee anyway.
- You don’t distinguish greatly between fine coffee flavors.
- You don’t like acidic coffee.
- You need a good dose of caffeine to increase productivity.
- You prepare coffee in an espresso machine.
- You like beautiful, dense foam.
- You don’t want to pay a higher price.
Away from all that has been mentioned above, you can always reach a compromise, as many producing companies release coffee blends that mix Arabica and Robusta in different proportions (and sometimes other types, such as Eugenioides or Liberica). Thus, the coffee becomes more exciting, hybrid. The more Arabica in it, the sweeter and more acidic it becomes at the same time. Controlling Robusta gives you a strong stimulant drink.
