Arabica and Robusta Coffee

–Top 10 Arabica vs. Robusta Differences –

Did you know? There are over 100 different species of coffee out there.

Yet, we are mostly only talking about two of them.

Arabica and Robusta coffee more or less dominate the entire coffee market.

They are the two most commonly cultivated beans for our coffee consumption by far.

When you buy a coffee bag at a shop, maybe you noticed labels like ‘100% Arabica’. Or, you were reading ‘Arabica Robusta Blend’.

There are various other mixed blends with Arabica and Robusta coffee. Each one of them offers a different flavor profile and coffee experience.

But, why do people choose one over the other?

What makes Arabica and Robusta Coffee so different? Why is Robusta cheaper and Arabica supposed to taste better?

Let’s find the answers together.

Here are the Top 10 Arabica vs. Robusta Differences.

A Quick Introduction

Before we dive more into the details, here is some brief information on each.

Firstly, Arabica coffee beans are mostly more oval and flat in shape. Additionally, they usually are sweeter, lighter and smoother in taste.

Secondly, they also contain more oils in the beans themselves.

Overall, coffee drinkers characterize Arabica coffee to have fruity, zesty and sweet flavors. The coffee species accounts for around 60 to even 75% of all consumption on the market.

Typically, Arabica coffee is more expensive to buy.

On the other hand, Robusta coffee beans are slightly smaller and rounder in shape. Furthermore, they usually have a stronger, bitter and powerful taste.

Because they have less oils, they commonly have more natural, earthy and heavier flavors.

In total, Robusta coffee accounts for around 25 to 40% of the coffee on the market. Its plants are more resilient. They can handle sudden or drastic climate changes better.

Even though there are also very high-quality Robusta coffee blends. Commonly, the coffee species is cheaper to purchase than Arabica coffee.

Top 10 Arabica vs Robusta Differences

1. Taste

Typically, the Arabica coffee type has a slightly sweet flavor.

In addition, you can also taste hints of chocolate, nuts and caramel. Even further, you may also notice flavor notes of fruit and berries.

You will also experience a pleasant acidity when drinking your coffee. And, there will be a little bitterness as well.

Moreover, the choice of roast level will also play an important role.

It affects to which degree you will notice the flavors. This is the case for both the Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.

Other notable factors are the area and soil composition, where the beans are grown in. These environmental conditions can also affect the balance of the overall flavor profile.

On the other hand, Robusta coffee rather tastes earthy.

Coffee drinkers often say that is has a bitter, rubbery to grain-like flavor. On top, there is also a peanut-like aftertaste. Meaner flavor attributes describe it as ‘burnt tires’ or ‘rubbery’.

In general, Robusta coffee beans contain more caffeine and less sugar.

As a result, the taste is stronger and harsher than Arabica.

2. Caffeine

Why do many of us like to drink coffee?

It is also because of the caffeine why many people rely on it. The energy boost kick helps to get us through our day.

Did you know that Robusta naturally has twice the amount of caffeine than Arabica?

Yes, you have heard right.

In fact, it is the higher caffeine content that makes the Robusta plant more resilient. Additionally, the higher content also adds to the more bitter flavor of Robusta.

The Arabica coffee bean contains about 1.5% caffeine of its entire body content. Robusta carries a natural total of 2.7%.

Not every person wants too much caffeine in its coffee though.

Some coffee consumers are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Therefore, these people are especially concerned about the caffeine side effects of too much caffeine.

Overall, the Arabica coffee bean would be a better choice then.

Caffeine generally also has a natural bitter flavor. With Arabica containing less caffeine, this automatically makes it also less bitter than Robusta.

Of course, both the Arabica and Robusta coffee also have decaffeinated product options.

Decaf coffee (internal link) is quite popular among many coffee consumers.

3. Sugar – of Arabica and Robusta Coffee

Arabica coffee contains more sugar than Robusta.

As a matter of fact, Arabica has almost twice as much sugar as Robusta. The much lower caffeine content in Arabica coffee beans also plays a role.

Therefore, certain flavor notes such as chocolatey, nutty and fruity taste are more distinctive.

This difference is probably one of the main reasons why Arabica is more popular. Typically, the majority of people prefer sweet over bitter flavors.

However, many of us also try to keep their sugar consumption low.

If you are interested, here are a few very handy ways on how to make your coffee healthy.

In addition, you can also try one of these alternative sweeteners.

With these options, you may find it easier to replace sugar.

4. Beans

Both the Arabica and Robusta coffee beans differ in shape and color.

Naturally, the Arabica bean is a bit larger with an oval shape. Robusta beans are usually rounder.

Furthermore, the raw Arabica bean is commonly lighter in color than Robusta. In fact, Robusta beans are usually a bit darker when raw.

Their size also differs. Naturally, Robusta beans are smaller, thicker and rounder than Arabica beans.

The leaves of Robusta coffee plants are larger though.

Moreover, Arabica flavor has higher acidity than Robusta.

You can compare it to the amount of acidity that makes wine taste good. The higher concentration of acidity adds chocolatey and fruity flavors to the Arabica coffee bean.

On the other hand, the Robusta coffee bean is lower in this quality. That is why the Robusta’s flavor is commonly described as being woody or burnt rubber.

5. Cultivation – of Arabica and Robusta Coffee

In general, the Arabica coffee plant does not like harsh climates very much.

Its coffee cherries cannot really handle frost that well. Naturally, they best grow in humid and tropical to subtropical climate zones.

Furthermore, it takes between 4 and up to 7 years until the coffee plant bears first fruit. In contrast, Robusta coffee plants mature much faster.

After 2 years, you can expect first fruits from Robusta plants. From then on, Robusta can produce new coffee cherries around every 6 to 8 months.

Arabica plants take longer to reproduce again. In addition, they also produce less per year than Robusta.

If you go hectare by hectare, Arabica coffee plants produce less. On average, coffee farmers reach higher yields with Robusta coffee plants instead.

As a result, this makes Robusta more efficient to cultivate.

However, even though Arabica may be more expensive to grow. Eventually, it commonly generates higher revenues and profits.

6. Plant

Original Arabica wild plants naturally grow between 9 to 12 meters tall (30 to 39 ft). The plants have a so-called open branching system.

This means that the leaves are situated opposite to each other. Their shape is simple, elliptic-ovate to oblong.

Average temperatures between 15 to 24 Celcius (59 to 75 Fahrenheit) are ideal. In addition, the plants develop the best if they are grown in the shade on hillsides.

Altitudes around 600 meters (1.900 feet) above sea level and more bring out the best results.

Wild Robusta plants can grow around 9 to 12 meters. Commercially harvested plants usually have a height of 5 meters. The little plant is known to be very resilient.

It can withstand hot temperatures (30 Celcius and over) and full sun exposure. In order to survive these harsher conditions, the plant likes to stay properly hydrated.

Robusta requires a lot of water to be happy and healthy.

Unlike the Arabica, it already grows at low altitudes such as from sea level to 600 meters. In addition, it is widely resistant to insects and bacteria.

Therefore, Robusta needs much less herbicides and pesticides than Arabica.

Both the Arabica and Robusta coffee plant flowers are white. And, they smell like jasmine.

Additionally, Robusta coffee needs to be cross-pollinated.

This means that Robusta blossoms need to be pollinated with some pollen from a plant with a different genetic composition.

It is usually happening with the help of wind and insects such as bees. Without this help, Robusta plants would not produce as many coffee seeds.

On the other hand, Arabica coffee is self-pollinating.

7. Origin – of Arabica and Robusta Coffee

As we learned already, Arabica coffee prefers stable, tropical climates. Some of the best varieties come from South America and Africa.

But there are also very popular Arabica coffee types in especially South East Asia. The most notable countries would be Indonesia, Vietnam and also Thailand in this region.

Besides, countries like Costa Rica, Mexico and Guatemala also grow high quality Arabica. Other nations include Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, Burundi, Brazil, Rwanda and India.

Overall, Brazil is the largest producer of Arabica coffee in the world.

In comparison, Robusta coffee also grows in tropical climates. But since it’s more resilient, you can also find it many other regions.

Very popular Robusta varieties are coming from South and Central America. However, the top producers are located in Asia. These are Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and the Philippines.

In Africa, the largest producers are the Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Guinea, Cameroon and Uganda.

And, the top Latin American players are Brazil and Guatemala.

As you can see, Robusta coffee plants use a wider range of growing regions than Arabica.

8. Resiliance

Arabica coffee is more fragile than Robusta.

Naturally, the Arabica coffee bean prefers a consistent climate without any harsh changes. Ideal average temperatures are between 15 to 24 degrees of Celcius (59 to 75 Fahrenheit).

Whereas, Robusta is more heat resistant. Average temperatures are between 18 to 36 degrees of Celcius.

Furthermore, humid and shady climate is the best for Arabica. The Robusta better handles more direct sunlight. Overall, more drastic climate changes are a lesser problem.

Arabica usually grows at higher altitudes. And, the beans take longer to mature. This actually adds to its full flavor, eventually.

Also, the beans are more vulnerable to damage by pests than Robusta. This is mostly due to its higher caffeine and chlorogenic acid content.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has a bitter flavor itself. Arabica has around 5.5 to 8% CGA. Robusta contains around 7 to 10%.

This adds up to the more bitter, overall flavor or Robusta coffee.

9. Age – of Arabica and Robusta Coffee

The first people to use the coffee beans were from the Oromo tribe.

They are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. In the beginning, the Oromo people started crushing and mixing the first beans with fat.

Travelers or workers then ate them as a stimulant to stay alert and active.

In the 7^th century, the first beans were brought from Ethiopia to lower Arabia in Yemen.  The term ‘Arabica’ directly refers to this region.

From there, the coffee drink continuously spread around the entire world.

Consequently, Arabica coffee was the first coffee type people were drinking.

In contrast, the Robusta coffee type is younger. It was first discovered around 100 years after the Arabica.

10. Price

Robusta coffee costs less. But Arabica sells better.

This is because Robusta is more resilient. It matures faster and produces more. Therefore, for farmers Robusta coffee is less costly and risky to grow.

However, Arabica coffee is usually more popular among coffee consumers. This typically forces Robusta coffee growers to sell their product cheaper.

Overall, Arabica makes up 60% to 75% of the entire coffee production in the world. Robusta more or less covers the remaining market share.

Yes, Arabica is more difficult to successfully cultivate. In addition, it may also be more sensitive to the environment. Therefore, it requires more care and caution.

But, it tastes better. Coffee drinkers prefer Arabica more. Since the market demand is higher for Arabica, traders can target higher prices.

Nonetheless, it is important to always carefully read the description of your purchased coffee.

Some Arabica coffee brands also mix their product with Robusta as a filler. This is to save overall costs. Because, less Arabica coffee has to be added into the coffee bag then.

But, please don’t understand me wrong.

Robusta coffee can also be of very high quality and reach higher prices.

Besides, instant coffee lovers usually prefer Robusta coffee. Furthermore, also many espresso enthusiasts like to work with it.

Which is Better?

You are the only that can actually answer this question.

There is not necessarily a right or wrong perspective to it.

It depends on each one of us.

What are your own coffee preferences in terms of taste and origin? And, how much money do you like to spend?

Clearly, Arabica is pricier and it is usually also worth its price.

Therefore, Arabica seems to be the obvious superior coffee type. Especially when it comes to flavor and quality. But this is not entirely true.

High-quality Robusta coffee can potentially taste much better than a low-quality Arabica coffee.

Overall, many coffee experts actually recommend brewing a blend of 10% Robusta and 90% Arabica. As a result, you can get a delicious cup of coffee.

A good Arabica and Robusta coffee blend balances earthy, bitter notes with floral, aromatic notes.

In general and as with many things in life. You can expect higher quality, if you are willing to pay the price.

Both the Arabica and Robusta coffee have its pro and cons.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to our own expectations.

The Bottom Line

The truth is that both beans bring something unique to the coffee world.

And, we should rightfully recognize and appreciate it. This is what makes our coffee universe so interesting and colorful in the first place.

It offers us various ways to express our own desires. May it be the different beans, roast levels, brewing methods or coffee drinks we choose.

On top, coffee has many great health benefits. Many coffee lovers even say that it makes us happier and live longer.

One way or the other, coffee connects us all. And, that’s the entire beauty of it.

So, how about you?

What is your favorite coffee type? Do you usually drink Arabica or Robusta coffee? Or, is it maybe both?

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us.

Until then, stay safe, healthy and properly caffeinated.

Cheers!