Arabica vs. Robusta: Know the Main Differences

There are more than 100 types of coffee in the world, but two predominate: Arabica and Robusta. Together, they account for more than 90% of global coffee production. By this, we mean that the cup of coffee you're drinking right now is very likely made with one of these two beans.

But what do these varieties have that others don't, which allows them to monopolize the coffee market?

Arabica coffee: the most cultivated in the world.

This bean originates in Ethiopia and accounts for around 50% of the world's coffee production.

The Arabica coffee plant grows in high altitudes and subtropical climates. Extreme humidity and high temperatures are conditions that significantly affect the development of a coffee plant, which is also susceptible to massive insect attacks.

This is why Arabica coffee plants must be carefully cared for. They are difficult to grow, their fruits take a long time to ripen, and therefore the resulting coffee beans are of high quality. This is one of the main differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee.

This bean also has a low caffeine concentration. And, if you've stopped to think about it, the amount of caffeine in your cup depends not only on the amount of espresso it contains, but rather on the type of bean it's made with. As for its flavor, experts say the Arabica bean is the most exquisite, which is another difference between Arabica and Robusta.

Robusta Coffee:

While it's true that the Robusta bean is considered lower quality than the Arabica bean, it also achieves high levels of production globally. Approximately 40% of the coffee beans sold worldwide are Robusta.

Robusta coffee grows on a bush that can reach 10 meters in height, but the fruit is usually harvested mechanically. It's a coffee variety that originates from the tropical forests of Uganda, so its origin is also African, like that of Arabica. One of the differences between Arabica and Robusta.

Main differences between Arabica vs. Robusta coffee:

-To begin with, the main difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee is that Arabica is a higher-quality coffee and is therefore more expensive. This is also due to the difficulty and intensive care required by Arabica plants. However, although it is not of low quality, it is true that the Robusta bean is less virtuous and costs less to grow. That's why it costs us less to purchase it on the market.

Another difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee is clearly the flavor. While Arabica is very smooth on the palate, aromatic, and free of bitter notes, Robusta is more muddy. A Robusta-based espresso has much more body and is thicker. This doesn't mean one is better than the other, simply that they have contrasting flavors.

-From here we come to another point where they differ: caffeine. Robusta has a much higher concentration than Arabica. That is, if you drink coffee to stay awake, you should know that the Robusta bean is the one that, depending on your body, will likely keep you awake. This is another differentiating factor between Arabica and Robusta.

Finally, the growing areas are also radically different. While Arabica grows in areas between 900 and 1,500 meters in altitude, Robusta requires lower altitudes and is less demanding in terms of climate. The Arabica coffee plant tolerates moderate temperatures and winds, but Robusta is resistant to weather changes.

Now you know the basic differences between the two most widely sold coffee varieties on the planet, Arabica vs. Robusta. Now all you have to do is choose your favorite bean!