Coffee trees
Arabica Beans vs Robusta Beans. What's the Difference?

 

It is impossible to discuss the cultivation of coffee without mentioning the two main varieties of coffee trees:

Robusta and Arabica
But what do you know about these two varieties? Do you know how to distinguish them?
We will bring you some benchmarks to help you choose

Environnement

Robusta


Robusta plantations account for around 30% of the global share. They are generally found in the plains, sheltered from the sun. Robusta coffee as the name suggests is Robust. Its tree is resistant: it can reach nearly ten meters and is resistant to many diseases, insects or extreme weather conditions. He nevertheless fears the frost. Robusta coffee is cultivated in the plains at a lower elevation than arabica, between 0 and 800 meters above sea level in a warm climate of between 24 and 30 ° C in full sun. Under these conditions and thanks to its very rapid growth, this species of coffee is easier to cultivate than arabica.

Arabica

Arabica is grown at altitude, between 600 and 1,200 meters, generally enjoying a temperature of between 15 and 24 ° C.

Arabica prefers a mild, humid and shady climate

Discover our ranges of exclusively Arabica Grands Crus coffees: GUATEMALA, BRAZIL, COLOMBIA

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Flavors

The flavor of Robusta is more full-bodied, more bitter and its taste powerful, it is however not very aromatic.

Robusta contains twice as much caffeine as Arabica:

3% caffeine for Robusta while the level of a pure Arabica varies between 1.2% and 1.5% generally.

Arabica is a coffee with fine, varied and pronounced aromas. It is fragrant, sweet and without bitterness.

Arabica is much more aromatic and remains the most cultivated coffee in the world.

Shapes and colors

A bean is certainly a bean but it is quite possible to differentiate them

The Arabica bean is oval to elongated in shape and can be red, yellow or purple in color. The Robusta bean is smaller and rounder, yellow to brown in color.



Price

Because its cultivation requires special climatic conditions, it requires more attention and care, Arabica coffee is clearly more expensive than Robusta.

In conclusion, between Arabica and Robusta, there are real differences in culture, aroma and taste. The choice is yours now!

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