They are different species of coffee and although in total there are over one hundred species of coffee, Arabica and Robusta are the only two widely produced, sold and consumed.
Here Are The 3 Main Differences Between Robusta And Arabica
1 – Difference In Quality
The Arabica species produces a superior coffee to Robusta.
It mostly comes down to differences in taste. Arabica is typically smoother while Robusta is often labelled more bitter. The yield for Robusta is significantly higher than Arabica and so the consequence of this results more farms Robusta rather than Arabica.
Like most things of high quality, Arabica requires more attention while growing and also requires higher costs and expertise to get perfect. For example, the conditions to grow Arabica are more specific and hard to find than Robusta. Arabica requires the perfect balance of altitude, sun and rain whereas Robusta can give and take a little on some of the variables.
It is therefore the reason why most specialty cafes and coffee shops are serving Arabica while most Nestle and ‘cheaper’ coffee outlets are serving Robusta.
2 – Where It Is Grown
The majority of Arabica is grown in Latin America. Mostly countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Central America, Colombia and Brazil while the Robusta coffee is grown anywhere East of Brazil. Africa and Asia are the dominant producers of Robusta coffee with Vietnam, Ethiopia and Indonesia producing the lions share.
It is true though that Arabica is grown outside of Latin America, however, it is of marginal quantity. The great majority is produced in Mexico south to Brazil. PNG and parts of Africa do also produce Arabica.
Coffee is grown on the sides of mountains, it is a very difficult crop to cultivate. The three conditions you need for coffee production is a healthy dose of sun, rain and altitude.
3 – Difference In Caffeine
Robusta coffee has as much as TWICE the amount of caffeine as Arabica.
It is this higher dosage of caffeine that gives Robusta a more bitter taste. It is also the higher amount of caffeine in Robusta that makes it such an attractive option for the cheaper coffee solutions out there. Caffeine is an addictive substance, and so it makes sense that to offset the inferior taste Nestle can hook you with a steeper caffeine dosage.
What Is Arabica Coffee?
Arabica coffee is the second most produced species of coffee in the world. It is a superior coffee for taste and complexity but also the most expensive of the coffee species.
It is grown in majority, but not exclusively, in the countries of Latin America. Starting in Mexico and then heading south through Guatemala, Central America, Colombia, and finishing in Brazil. Arabica coffee has less caffeine than Robusta and is more commonly used as the beans of ‘specialty coffee’.
What Is Robusta Coffee?
Robusta coffee is the most produced species of coffee in the world. It is inferior for taste and complexity but also the most cost effective coffee species produced in the world.
It is grown primarily in Africa and Asia with the most popular countries being Ethiopia, Vietnam and Indonesia. Robusta coffee has up to as much as twice the caffeine of Arabica coffee and is the most common species of coffee produced, sold and consumed in the world.
What Is Better? Arabica Or Robusta?
Arabica is better than Robusta coffee on the whole. However it is important to qualify that this does not mean Robusta is bad.
If either Arabica or Robusta are produced, roasted and then made well than they both have the potential to be amazing. Arabica is better than Robusta on the whole because it is the superior coffee species for quality and taste. It is also for this reason that Arabica is more expensive.
If you are looking for caffeine however, then Robusta is better than Arabica as Robusta coffee can have up to as much as twice the caffeine content as Arabica.
Where Can I Get Good Arabica Coffee?
The best place to buy good Arabica coffee is from specialty coffee producers.
If you live in Scandinavia or the Netherlands than the best place to purchase reliable quality Arabica coffee is from Koala Kaffe
Koala Kaffe delivers the best roasted coffee from Latin America to the doorstep of your home or office on a monthly basis. Koala Kaffe farmers are compensated extremely well and live to produce their coffee.
Where Can I Get Good Robusta Coffee?
The best place to buy good Robusta coffee is from the supermarket. If you want to drink a superior Arabica coffee selection than you can guarantee less caffeine (good for you health) and a more rich and fine taste.
If you live in Scandinavia or the Netherlands than the best place to purchase reliable quality Arabica coffee is from koalakaffe.se
Koala Kaffe delivers the best roasted coffee from Latin America to the doorstep of your home or office on a monthly basis. Koala Kaffe farmers are compensated extremely well and live to produce their coffee.
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