The Difference Between Arabica & Robusta Coffee
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Coffee is a staple for many humans around the world, but did you know that there are different types of coffee beans? Arabica and Robusta are the two main species of coffee, and they differ in terms of taste, appearance, and growing conditions. In this 787 Coffee blog post, we will delve into the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee and help you choose the one that suits your taste buds best.
Taste
The taste of coffee is subjective, but generally, Arabica beans are considered to have a milder, sweeter taste with notes of fruit, nuts, and chocolate. On the other hand, Robusta beans are known for their stronger, pleasant bitterness and lower acidity taste with a hint of earthiness. In terms of caffeine content, Robusta has almost twice as much caffeine as Arabica, which may explain the stronger taste.
At 787 Coffee we currently use 100% Arabica coffee beans.
Appearance
Arabica beans are elongated with a curved groove, while Robusta beans are rounder and smaller. Additionally, Arabica beans have a lighter color and a smoother surface, while Robusta beans are darker and have a more uneven surface. These differences in appearance are due to the variations in the plant's genetic makeup and growing conditions.
Growing Conditions
Arabica coffee grows at higher altitudes of 600-2000 meters, whereas Robusta coffee grows at lower altitudes of 0-800 meters. Arabica coffee also prefers a cooler climate with consistent rainfall and shade, while Robusta coffee can tolerate a hotter and drier climate. These growing conditions affect the flavor and quality of the coffee beans.
Price
The cost of coffee mainly depends on the demand and supply, and Arabica beans are in more demand compared to Robusta. This is because Arabica beans are considered to be of higher quality with a better taste, and they are grown in higher altitude regions with limited supply. Therefore, Arabica coffee is generally more expensive than Robusta coffee.
Usage
Arabica coffee is typically used for specialty coffee drinks like espresso, cappuccino, and latte due to its mild and sweet taste. On the other hand, Robusta coffee is used for traditional coffee drinks like drip coffee and instant coffee due to its strong and bitter taste. However, there are always exceptions, and some people prefer a strong coffee taste in their espresso drinks.
Conclusion
Arabica and Robusta coffee are two different species of coffee with their own unique characteristics in terms of taste, appearance, and growing conditions. The choice of coffee depends on your preference, and now that you are aware of the differences, you can make a more informed decision. So, go ahead and try both types of coffee to experience their taste and aroma, and you might be surprised which one you prefer. Happy Brewing!
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Learn more about the coffee you buy and drink at 787 Coffee
Hacienda Iluminada, home of 787 coffee, is the farm where we grow our coffee beans on the fertile mountains of Maricao, where the climate and soil provide the perfect conditions for coffee plants to thrive. The farm uses a combination of traditional and modern farming techniques to ensure that the coffee cherries are of the highest quality making it specialty coffee.
The flavor of coffee is influenced by the terroir, which refers to the unique combination of climate, soil, and other environmental factors that affect the taste and aroma of the coffee. Each coffee-growing region in the world has its distinct flavor profile, making coffee farming a diverse and exciting field.