Understand the differences to choose the coffee that’s right for you

Are you looking at the packages of Arabica, Robusta, 50% Arabica, 50% Robusta coffee and you don’t know what to choose? Or what are the differences? This article is made for you!

The two most consumed varieties in the world are Arabica and Robusta. Their differences are numerous; in terms of taste, appearance, health benefits and even climatic conditions necessary for their development. So we will describe all this in detail.

1- Where do these two varieties grow?

These two varieties are diametrically opposed and therefore do not grow in the same places. Typically, the Robust can grow from 0 m altitude. Therefore its plantations can be installed in flat places, as long as they have a temperature that does not drop below 24°. These conditions allow its large-scale cultivation and the mechanization of harvests.

For theArabica… Unfortunately it’s not the same thing at all. In fact, the plants do not grow below 600 meters above sea level and temperatures should not drop below 15 degrees. The result is plantations often carried out on the mountainside, making any mechanization of the harvest impossible. The terroir of Arabica will therefore have great importance, because being a richer and more complex variety, its aromas will be directly influenced by the soil, climate, etc.

Another element favorable to the culture of Robustthis is its resistance to disease, and also its greater resistance to climate. Because for theArabicait’s not like that. In fact the latter is very fragile.

Due to the current climate changes, bad weather and freezing periods that have occurred, especially in Brazil (the largest coffee producer in the world), the world of coffee is in turmoil. Its stock price explodes, and so does its price. Coffee is becoming increasingly rare.

2- Effects on health

Here we will mainly focus on their difference: the level of caffeine. Its content is 4 times higher than robusta. So, while this strain is ideal when you’re looking for a wake-up call, it can still cause sleep problems for sensitive users. On the other hand, Arabica is therefore more delicate, and therefore better for the stomach and for people who are more sensitive to caffeine.

3 – Taste

This is the most important part, in our eyes! The big difference between Robusta and Arabica: it’s the taste! Robusta that grows at 0 meters above sea level, it must have naturally protected itself from parasites, explaining its high caffeine content… but also its bitterness! Here we are faced with a more bitter coffee, but also more earthy and woody.

The Arabica will be less bitter, also developing a little more acidity. Its aromatic palette is very complex and varied, ranging from floral to fruity, passing through chocolate and caramel. Arabica is therefore very often a guarantee of quality! Witness to this richness, Arabica coffee packaging is often detailed, highlighting its terroir which will have a great impact on the taste, but also its altitude, its washing and drying process, etc.

Aside: I would like to take this opportunity to add a small clarification: Robusta is a variety of the “Coffea Canephora” family. While Arabica is therefore the family of «Coffea Arabica» among which a multitude of varieties are consumed (bourbon, caturrai, etc.). However, in the Canephora family, only one variety is consumed: Robusta.

4 – The price

As you may have understood, Arabica is more difficult to grow, and therefore its price is higher. It is often proposed as «specialty coffee», in reference to its popularity and quality, but its origin is often highlighted on the packaging. In fact we are here on a product whose origin will have an impact on the taste, therefore a more complex product, therefore a product… More expensive.

If Robusta is so popular despite its earthy taste, it’s because of its price. Its strong resilience and ease of exploitation make it a resource that can be more easily grown in large quantities.

Conclusion: how to choose?

There really isn’t a bad choice. It all depends on what you’re looking for. At Krogen (at the moment) we just do itArabica. We don’t like the earthy flavor of Robust and therefore look for more finesse. We focus on specialty coffees. But the robusta may interest you if you are looking for something stronger, which wakes you up with a real boost!