Whenever we drink coffee, we strive to get the best experience in our cup and enjoy every sip of this delicious beverage to the fullest. That's why we always think about looking for quality coffee that tastes good and meets our palate's needs. We've already discussed the varieties and their different characteristics, but it's important to understand their differences and the benefits of each over another. Today we will understand the contrasts between two of the most important varieties, Robusta and Arabica.
Let's start with the technicalities
To understand the underlying differences between these two varieties, we must learn about the specifics of each. First, although they belong to the same plant family, Rudiacex, they are different species. One belongs to the Coffea arabica species while the other belongs to Coffea canephora. , the first is grown at altitudes between 600 and 2,300 meters above sea level with more even climatic requirements, with good shade and high air humidity, while the Robusta is grown between 300 and 600 meters above sea level, which implies more pleasant and warmer climatic characteristics.
These varieties each deliver a different grain. While Arabica gives us a longer, more oval-shaped coffee , Robusta produces a smaller, rounder bean. Their flavors are also quite distinct; one displays fruity, sweet, and versatile flavors in our cup, while the other has stronger flavors that include wood, earth, nuts, and bitterness. Another reflection of their difference in intensity is their caffeine content: while an Arabica espresso contains 77 mg of caffeine, one prepared with Robusta will have 141 mg.
In matters of production, These two varieties have a monopoly on coffee worldwide, as together they can account for more than 90% of production. There are more than 100 varieties available. Arabica coffee cultivation accounts for between 60 and 70% of the international coffee market and is grown primarily in Colombia, Central America, Brazil, and Ethiopia. Robusta, meanwhile, has a 30 to 40% share of the coffee market and is grown in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil.
Their differences
Well, let's start by talking about the difference that matters most to coffee lovers: quality. The Arabica variety is a much higher quality coffee, which is reflected in the cup and the price. , but the price difference isn't just due to the notable contrast in quality, but also to the challenges of care, which are quite intense when growing Arabica. It's also important to clarify that the quality of the Robusta bean isn't necessarily poor. It's a coffee with a good flavor in the cup, but with a less attractive bean and greater ease of cultivation, which contributes to the difference in price between the beans.
Its flavor differences are revealed to our palate by finding a greater smoothness accompanied by aromatic touches in the Arabica cup, which is complemented by bitter notes. Meanwhile, In the Robusta cup we find a much more muddy sensation on our palate and with a great body , which has made this variety the ideal coffee for a good espresso, thanks to its thick characteristics, higher caffeine concentration, and stronger coffee when it reaches our mouths. Therefore, if what you're looking for with coffee is to stay awake and very active, the Robusta variety will be your best ally.
Understanding the world of coffee
Upon discovering that almost all of the world's coffee comes from just two varieties, it's important to understand the vast number of varieties found within the Arabica family, including Bourbon, Typica, and others whose quality we've already discussed and explained. Although as coffee lovers, the most important thing we always focus on is the quality of our cup, the flavors and sensations that awaken when we taste the coffee, it's also important to highlight the qualities of a variety like Robusta, whose strength keeps us awake with a delicious espresso. Therefore, Understanding that each coffee is different and that its attributes present us with new experiences is the first step to discovering the world of coffee.