There are two major types of coffee
plants that produce the vast majority of the coffee that we consume today. The
first plant is known as “Coffea Arabica”
better known as Arabica. The second plant’s name is “Coffea Canephora” or better known as Robusta. There are major
differences between these two plants that allow them to produce completely
different beans with divers flavor profiles and chemical composition.
Altitude and Temperature
Arabica:
Most of the Arabica beans are produced in an altitude between 600 and 2,200
meters above sea level at a mild temperature between 15° - 24°C and an annual
rainfall of about 1200 - 2200 mm/yr.
Robusta:
Most of the Robusta beans are produced in an altitude between 0 and 800 meters
above sea level and can withstand warmer temperatures between 18° - 36°C and an
annual rainfall of about 2200 - 3000 mm/yr.
Yield and Production Costs
Arabica:
The Arabica plant has a lower yield per plant than that of the Robusta plant.
The Arabica plant also takes a longer period to produce its first yield. Giving
it a higher production cost than that of the Robusta plant.
Robusta:
The Robusta plant produces a higher yield of coffee beans per tree when
compared to that of an Arabica plant. This plant also takes a shorter period of
time to produce its first yield. Robusta coffee is easier to grow and harvest
which means lower production costs.
Susceptibility to Pests and Disease
Arabica:
The Arabica plant is very delicate and hard to maintain. They are a lot more
susceptible to pests, diseases and weather conditions when compare to the
Robusta plant.
Robusta:
The Robusta plant is less susceptible to pests, diseases and weather
conditions. Robusta plant’s extra caffeine concentration acts as a chemical
defense against certain pests. Robusta are harder plants partly due to its
higher Caffeine content.
The Bean Shape
Arabica: Arabica beans are oval; they have a somewhat larger and
elliptical shape than Robusta beans.
Robusta: Robusta beans are circular; they are more round when
compared to Arabica beans.
Taste
Arabica: Arabica Coffee has a wider
variety of taste than Robusta Coffee. These flavors go from sweet and mild to
tangy and sharp. It has a rich and aromatic pallet with different acidity range
(depending on its origin) and subtle flavors. Such flavor tends to be fruity,
sweet, floral, nutty, chocolaty, and winey among others. Arabica has almost
twice the sugar concentration than Robusta; this fact is probably why Arabica taste
is more appealing and flavorful. If you are looking for a low acid coffee that does not upset your stomach, always select Arabica.
Robusta: Robusta Coffee has a less
variety of flavors. It is often described as burnt wood with a grainy kind notes. Robusta coffee is known to brew a strong, harsh, burned and bitter cup.
Due to it's high caffeine concentration, Robusta coffee is less flavorful and
bitterer than Arabica coffee.
Our Recommendation
The world’s premium coffees are made from Arabica
beans. Coffee connoisseurs and specialty roasters agreed that Arabica has a
superior taste and quality. Arabica coffee symphony of flavors, clearly
outshines Robusta sharp and bitter taste. At Cubico Coffee taste and quality is
essential. We only select the finest Arabica beans from high quality origins.
We bring out the particular flavor and characteristics of each Arabica bean. We
delivered the best gourmet coffee right to your door. Cubico Coffee offers 100%
Arabica coffee; you will not find Robusta in any of our blends. When presented
the choice, Cubico Coffee will always source the best Arabica beans from around
the world.