January 22, 2021
There are thousands of different coffee varieties in the world. Still, when it comes to your daily cup of happiness, only two define your beloved beverage: Coffea Arabica and Coffea Canephora (robusta). About 70% of the word's coffee are varieties of arabica, and the rest is robusta. The difference is significant between the two and is crucial to understand to find your personal favorite.
Coffea Arabica
Coffea Arabica is very sophisticated/highly complex with different nuances, flavors, and aromas. Arabica beans tend to have a sweeter, softer taste with tones of fruits and berries, and the beverage brewed from these results in a very pleasing taste. It is usually cultivated between 800 and 2200m. Slight changes in rainfall, temperature, and sunshine can ruin the whole harvest. These factors make it harder to grow, and therefore it is pricier.
Coffea Robusta
Coffea Robusta, on the other hand, is harsher and stronger. It carries a strong body with an earthy aftertaste. It contains four times as much caffeine as arabica, making it more bitter and less acidic. It is often grown in lower elevations, starting from the sea level up to 900m in altitude. Robusta can handle changes in the weather better and does not really require any extra caretaking. Compared to Coffea Arabica, it is much tougher and easier to grow because of its higher crop yield and disease resistance. Used in blends and instant coffee.
Generally, robusta is considered inferior to arabica in quality. However, some robustas are known for their high quality. They are also highly valued when it comes to espresso for their deep flavor.