Difference between Arabica and Robusta

When it comes to production of coffee on a commercial level, Arabica and Robusta are two most commonly used coffee bean types. Depending on the taste and area in which each of the two coffee bean kinds are grown, there are a few differences between Arabica and Robusta.

Caffeine content is Arabica beans is less than Robusta beans. As a matter of fact, Robusta beans contain almost double the content of caffeine than Arabica beans. Then there is the difference in tastes of Arabica and Robusta beans. The former has a more aromatic, yet mild taste whereas the latter has a more acquired, yet strong flavour.

Shape of the beans is another differentiating factor between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. Arabica beans have an elongated shape where Robusta beans are rounded in shape. Furthermore, Arabica beans are flat while the same is not true in case of Robusta beans.

Before the beans are harvested, difference in their colours is very evident and can be relied upon to tell apart Arabica beans from Robusta beans. The shade of Arabica beans as compared to Robusta beans is more on the darker side of the green shade.

Moreover, Arabica beans can only be grown in areas that have a subtropical climate such as Central and South America. On the other hand, Robusta beans do not require too much rainfall for normal growth and can be grown at areas with low altitude such as Central and West Africa and South East Asia.

Last, but not the least, the worldwide consumption level of Arabica is much higher as compared to Robusta beans. According to a research, Arabica accounts for 70% of the total coffee beans grown across the globe. This results in a higher consumption of Arabica coffee beans.

Instructions

  • 1

    Arabica:

    Coffee shrub of Arabia, Mountain coffee and Arabica coffee are some of the names used to refer to Arabica Coffee beans. This species of coffee beans was originally indigenous to Yemen. Ever since, Arabica plantations have sprung up in several other counties such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Antigua and Ethiopia.

    Image Courtesy: wallsfeed.com

  • 2

    Robusta:

    Robusta is a coffee bean type which originated in central and western sub-Saharan Africa. The scientific name of this coffee plant is Coffea Canephora, with two subtypes; Robusta and Nganda. These days, Robusta beans are grown in several countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, India and Indonesia.

    Image Courtesy: picstopin.com

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