Arabica vs Robusta
Coffea Arabica and Coffea Robusta are known as the main coffee species produced all around the world, among more than a hundred different others species.
Coffee Curiosities
- Arabica beans contain about 60% more fat and almost twice the amount of sugar than Robusta, explaining the sweetness and softer taste
- Large amounts of Caffeine give coffee a bitter taste
- Caffeine is known as a powerful insecticide and pest resistant. Therefore, Robusta tend to be easier to grow than Arabica
- World's most expensive Coffee, known as "Kopi luwak" or even "cat poop coffee", is produced from coffee beans which have first been digested by a cat-like Asian animal, named Palm Civet.
As we can see on the table below, the differences between the two are clear:
| Arabica | Robusta | |
|---|---|---|
|
Caffeine concentration |
1-1.5% |
2-2.5% |
| Taste |
Sweeter and softer Fruity, floral & berries Mild and aromatic Higher acidity |
Biter, harsh, stronger Burnt tires or rubbery Lower acidity |
| Price | ££££ | ££ (half price) |
| Cultivation | 600m – 2200m | Sea level – 800m |
| Main producers |
Brazil |
Vietnam |
| Commonly used in… |
Espresso |
Instant Coffee |
| Worldwide consumption |
±70 |
± 30% |
| Coffee beans shape |
Oval |
Circular |