Arabica or Robusta Coffee??
When you hear Arabica and Robusta, what's on your mind?
Usually, we will get answers like this: "Arabica is sweet, Robusta is bitter," or "Arabica is expensive, if Robusta is cheaper."
The two answers above are true.
In fact, what makes Arabica and Robusta so different? This time we will discuss more about the differences between these two types of coffee.
Arabica coffee
Don't be fooled by the name, Arabica is a type of coffee that originates from the highlands of Western Ethiopia. Why is the name called Arabica? According to a source, this coffee was called Arabica because in the 7th century, this coffee bean was brought to a lowland area in Arabia.
Generally, this type of coffee grows at an altitude of about 3,000-7,000 feet above sea level. Subtropical areas are ideal areas for Arabica coffee, because generally these areas have loose soil (or volcanic soil), evenly distributed rainfall, and sufficient sunlight, which makes Arabica grow well. However, Arabica is a type of coffee that is not easy to care for. The coffee plant is quite susceptible to pests and diseases.
Arabica is also the most popular type of coffee in the world. According to statistics, in 2017 and 2018, Arabica coffee production worldwide reached around 94.88 million (standard 60kg). In 2019, Arabica coffee production in the world is expected to exceed 101 million (60 kg standard).
What does Arabica coffee taste like?
If you have ever drank wine, then you will understand why this coffee is called the Merlot of coffee. It tastes sweet but is generally mild when drunk. A cup of Arabica coffee can be described as aromatic and rich in flavor. This is why, if you buy Arabica coffee at a coffee shop, you can see tasting notes on the packaging, for example: floral, fruity, orange, buttery, chocolate, caramel, and others.
Arabica Coffee Fun Facts:
Arabica has 2x lower caffeine content than Robusta.
The sugar content in Arabica coffee is 2x higher than Robusta coffee
Arabica also has a higher acidity than Robusta
Arabica coffee is more expensive than Robusta coffee, because it is more difficult to care for this coffee plant until harvest time
Arabica coffee beans are oval in shape and slightly larger in size than Robusta coffee beans
What kind of Arabica coffee is your favorite?
Robusta coffee
In contrast to Arabica, Robusta coffee originates from West Africa and grows in lower plains and higher temperatures. Robusta coffee production accounts for about 30% of total coffee production in the world, of which Vietnam is the largest exporting country. From statistics, in 2017 and 2018, worldwide Robusta coffee production reached around 64.89 million (standard 60kg).
Robusta coffee plants are much easier to grow and care for, and can even provide a higher yield than Arabica. The secret to the resilience of the Robusta coffee plant also lies in its high content of caffeine and chlorogenic acid, which act as natural pesticides to protect against pests and diseases. This is also the main reason why Robusta is much cheaper than Arabica in terms of price. Robusta is hassle-free and easier to grow than Arabica
What does Robusta coffee taste like?
Generally, Robusta is often described as bitter or sharp coffee with a taste character like wood and rubber. This bitter or bitter comes from the higher caffeine content in Robusta when compared to Arabica. If you are just looking for caffeine Robusta is the best choice! :)
Kopi Robusta Fun Facts:
Robusta has a higher caffeine content than Arabica
The sugar content in Arabica coffee is much lower than Arabica coffee
Robusta has a lower acidity than Arabica
Robusta coffee is much cheaper than Arabica coffee, because caring for this coffee plant is quite easy
Robusta coffee beans are round in shape and smaller in size than Arabica coffee beans
Although it is often associated with instant ground coffee, Robusta coffee can also be enjoyed like brewing Arabica coffee using a certain brewing method. Make no mistake, Robusta also has a level or grade, you know! Some high-quality Robusta types are sold at a higher price because they provide a deep flavor and a great crema for making espresso.
What kind of Robusta coffee have you tried?
There is one interesting thing that we adapt from Perfect Daily Grind. Although Robusta coffee is less popular than Arabica, there has been a shift in opinion from these Robusta coffee lovers.
Is Gabe Shohet, co-founder of Black Sheep Coffee in London, England. He founded this coffee shop with his friends because they have the same vision: want a cup of coffee that is stronger, full-bodied, and has high caffeine content. When most people started looking for Arabica coffee more and more, Gabe Shohet and his coffee shop served Robusta instead.
Because of his deep love for Robusta coffee, with full determination he conducted various experiments to prove that Robusta also deserves to be considered a privilege like Arabica. During his journey, he found the world's first Robusta specialty coffee producer: The Sethuraman Estate in India. The coffee producer carries out the entire process like an Arabica coffee garden: hand picking the coffee cherries, washing them, and drying them. Gabe described the steeping of Robusta coffee as having a taste profile that exceeds Arabica. This highly caffeinated drink can even produce tasting notes of walnuts and chocolate.
Isn't that interesting?
Ultimately, drinking or brewing coffee will return to personal taste. If previously you preferred Arabica coffee, there's nothing wrong with trying Robusta coffee as a comparison and eliminating curiosity. Who knows, you might love it!
