The main difference between Arabica and Robusta is that Robusta has a stronger and bitter taste than Arabica since it has less sugar and more caffeine.
Arabica and Robusta are the two most popular types of coffee in the world. There is a distinct difference between Arabica and Robusta based on their taste. When considering the two plant varieties, Arabica plants are somewhat difficult to grow, but Robusta plants are easier and cheaper to grow and have a greater crop yield.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Arabica
– Definition, Features
2. What is Robusta
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Arabica and Robusta
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Arabica, Coffee, Robusta
What is Arabica
Arabica is a type of coffee that comes from the plant Coffea arabica. Arabica is the most popular type of coffee in the world. In fact, Arabica accounts for about 60% of the coffee production in the world. Arabica coffee is said to originate in Ethiopia. Today, it’s mainly grown in tropical regions and at high elevations across the world. However, conditions have to be amenable to grow good-quality Arabica, and trees are somewhat difficult to cultivate.
When comparing Robusta, most people consider Arabica to be superior in flavor, sweetness, acidity, and balance. They are considered to be a premium commodity. Moreover, there are several sub-varieties of Arabica, including Bourbon, Maragogype, SL-28, Typica, and Pacarmara.
What is Robusta
Robusta is a type of coffee made from the beans of the plant Coffea canephora. It’s the second most popular coffee in the world, second only to Arabica. Robusta makes up around 40% of the world’s coffee production. It originated in western and central sub-Saharan Africa. Today, it’s mostly grown in Africa, Indonesia, Brazil, and Vietnam. In fact, Vietnam is the largest producer of Robusta.
Robusta has a unique taste. Since Robusta beans have less sugar and more caffeine than Arabica beans, Robusta tastes harsher and stronger than Arabica. It also has less acidity, less fruity flavor, and a more woody flavor. Some describe it as a rubbery flavor with a peanutty aftertaste. Robusta beans are commonly used in instant coffee. They are also used in traditional espresso blends. Moreover, when compared to Arabica, Robusta plants have a greater crop yield. These plants are also easier to care for, less susceptible to diseases and pests, and require fewer pesticides and herbicides. They are also cheaper to produce than Arabica.
Difference Between Arabica and Robusta
Definition
Arabica is a type of coffee that comes from the plant Coffea arabica while Robusta is a type of coffee that comes from the plant Coffea canephora.
Caffeine
Robusta has more caffeine than Arabica.
Sugar
Arabica has more sugar than Robusta, so Arabica has a sweeter taste.
Acidity
Robusta is less acidic than Arabica
Overall Taste
Robusta tastes harsher and stronger than Arabica
Quality
Moreover, Arabica is considered to be superior to Robusta.
Worldwide Coffee Production
Arabica accounts for about 60% of the global coffee production, while Robusta accounts for about 40% of the global coffee production.
Cultivation
Arabica plants are somewhat difficult to grow. However, Robusta plants are easier and cheaper to grow and have a greater crop yield.
Conclusion
In brief, the main difference between Arabica and Robusta is their taste. Robusta has a stronger and bitter taste than Arabica since it has less sugar and more caffeine. In addition, Robusta is less acidic than Arabica. Furthermore, most people consider Arabica to be superior to Robust.
Reference:
1. Clayton, Liz. “Coffee Basics: What Is Arabica Coffee?” Sprudge Coffee.
2. Clayton, Liz. “What Is Robusta Coffee?” Sprudge Coffee.
3. “What Is Robusta Coffee?” EnjoyJava.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Coffea arabica 005” By H. Zell – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Cafe-coffee-robusta-coffee” (CC0) via Pixabay
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