This is a question I have been asked quit a bit. What is the differance between arabica coffee and robusta coffee? Here is what we know.
Contents
Arabica and Robusta are the two most common coffee species, and they have big differences in taste, caffeine content, and how they’re grown. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Taste & Flavour Profile
- Arabica: Smooth, sweet, and complex with hints of fruits, flowers, and chocolate. Often has a higher acidity and a more refined taste.
- Robusta: Strong, bold, and earthy with notes of nuts, dark chocolate, and wood. It has a bitter, harsher taste due to higher caffeine content.
2. Caffeine Content
- Arabica: 1.2%–1.5% caffeine (lower caffeine, smoother taste).
- Robusta: 2.2%–2.7% caffeine (almost double the caffeine, more bitterness).
3. Growing Conditions
- Arabica: Grown at higher altitudes (600-2000m), requires cooler climates, more delicate, and prone to diseases.
- Robusta: Grows at lower altitudes (200-800m), thrives in hotter climates, resistant to pests and disease.
4. Price & Quality
- Arabica: More expensive because it’s harder to grow and considered higher quality.
- Robusta: Cheaper and easier to cultivate, often used in instant coffee and espresso blends for added strength.
5. Where They’re Grown
- Arabica: Mainly from Latin America, Ethiopia, and Africa (think Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia).
- Robusta: Mostly from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Africa. Vietnam is the largest producer of Robusta.
6. Which One Is Better?
- If you love a smooth, flavourful, and aromatic coffee, go for Arabica.
- If you prefer a stronger, more caffeinated, and bitter coffee (or need an energy boost), Robusta is a good choice.
Most specialty coffee shops (like Proud Mary’s!) use Arabica, while Robusta is common in commercial blends and instant coffee.
Our goto is definitely an Arabica, The Colombia Supremo. Which one do you prefer?