Always wanted to know the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans?

For some people, coffee is just coffee, but most of us can tell the difference between two cups. This difference in taste is mainly due to the different coffee beans: Robusta and Arabica. You have probably come across these names before, but what exactly is the difference? These are the four most important differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans:

1. The taste

Not surprisingly, the two coffee beans taste different. Arabica coffee is described as sweeter and softer with undertones of sugar, fruit and berries. Robusta, on the other hand, has a harder, earthy taste and a peanut-like aftertaste. In addition, Arabica coffee beans have a higher acidity, which ensures that the coffee gives a good kick and wakes up your taste buds.

2. Caffeine

Robusta and Arabica coffee beans also differ in caffeine content. Robusta coffee beans contain twice as much caffeine as their Arabica counterparts. That is of course nice in the early morning, but perhaps less nice at the end of the day.

3. Quality and price difference

Differences are allowed and this also applies to coffee beans. Many people see the Arabica bean as the better version of the Robusta bean, but quality is not so easy to judge. The quality of coffee beans can be influenced by many elements. For example, freshness and country of origin play a role here and this does not necessarily have to do with the plant species. There are high-quality Robusta beans that are tastier than some Arabica beans, but Arabica beans are generally favored in taste. Arabica coffee beans are more expensive than the Robusta variant. This is also not necessarily due to quality, although it does play a role. The Robusta plant is a lot easier to grow: it is less fragile, can withstand insects better and produces a higher quantity of coffee beans more quickly.

4. In practice

The Arabica coffee bean is the most popular of the two beans. You have probably often come across coffee shops with a '100% Arabica' sign. These pure Arabica coffee beans are seen as the holy grail among many coffee lovers and are therefore often found in coffee shops. Robusta beans, on the other hand, can be found in more places. All instant coffee consists of Robusta and in every supermarket you can find a variant of Robusta coffee. However, do not let this put you off! The Robusta coffee bean may taste a bit rougher, but that may be exactly what you need. For example, many Italian coffee makers use a mix of Arabica and Robusta in their espressos for the intense taste, high caffeine content and good 'crema'.

Are you more of an Arabica or Robusta drinker?

 

Here are our top tips for both coffee beans:

Pure arabica with a sweet aftertaste? Try the Pellini TOP , Melitta Bella Cream La Crema , or Lucaffe Mr. Exclusive

Try a premium Robusta coffee: Lavazza Gusto Forte or Lavazza Suerte

Do you want a coffee made from both Arabica and Robusta? Lavazza Crema e Gusto Espresso , Caffe Molinari Rosso or Cafeclub Crema Espresso