Tell me which coffee blend you prefer, and I will tell you who you are: are you as sweet as Arabica or as strong as Robusta? As much as it resembles the title of a test, the truth is that we are talking about a real ‘challenge’: that of Arabica vs Robusta, two sharply contrasting aromas that have always divided passionate coffee consumers.
But what are the characteristics of these blends? To what do they owe their peculiar aroma? We, who know about coffee, have decided to talk to you about both, in total impartiality, thus giving you the chance to understand once and for all whether you are an Arabica or a Robusta type.
What is Arabica
The Arabica blend is produced from the beans of the Coffea Arabica plant, which is credited with creating one of the world’s most popular and popular coffees, to the extent that it accounts for around 60-70% of the global production of this beverage.
Arabica beans are in fact famous for their delicate and less bitter flavour than that of other varieties, Robusta for example. Specifically, the distinctive characteristics of Arabica coffee include:
- a sweet and varied flavour characterised by a wide range of aromatic notes that may include fruit, chocolate, hazelnuts and flowers, depending on the origin and processing method;
- a higher level of acidity than the Robusta blend, which contributes to the richness of its taste and the pleasant sensation of freshness it leaves in your mouth;
- a low caffeine content of only 1.5% per bean, making this blend the preferred choice of those sensitive to the effects of caffeine;
- beans characterised by an oval and slightly curved shape with a sinuous groove, larger than Robusta.
In addition to this, it should be noted that Arabica coffee grows best at altitudes between 600 and 2200 metres above sea level, characterised by tropical climates with abundant rainfall and constant temperatures of 15 – 24°C. The main growing areas are in Latin America, East Africa and parts of Asia.
The quality of Arabica coffee can vary greatly depending on the territory of origin, cultivation method, harvest and post-harvest processing, making it possible to create a wide range of flavour profiles and aromas.
We, who understand coffee, have the Arabica blend at heart. After all, how can one not be won over by such sweetness? If it is also prepared with the right tools, then the picture of excellence is truly complete. Besides, you too will agree that if you want to drink good coffee, you should do it with the right machine, such as a lever machine.
In fact, the peculiarity of these instruments is that they enhance the flavour of the blend you decide to use to the maximum, while keeping its nutritional principles unaltered. And it is an experience that you too can easily enjoy: just take a look at our catalogue and discover the right coffee machine for you. Only in this way can you be sure of enjoying a proper Arabica coffee: a discourse that is even more valid for the ‘rival’ Robusta.
What is Robusta
The Robusta blend is one of the main coffee varieties cultivated and marketed worldwide, second only to Arabica in terms of popularity and production. Compared to its rival, Robusta coffee, however, has some distinctive differences:
- has a stronger taste, characterised by earthy notes, reminiscent of wood and sometimes chocolate, but with less variety of aromatic nuances;
- Robusta beans contain a significantly high amount of caffeine, corresponding to 2.7% per bean. This contributes to the bitter taste of the blend, as well as its stimulating effects;
- The Robusta plant is much resistant than the Arabica blend, which is why it can grow at lower altitudes and in a wide variety of climatic conditions. This makes it easier to grow in certain regions of the world, especially in West Africa and parts of South-East Asia and Brazil;
- Robusta beans are rounder and slightly smaller than Arabica beans, with a straight groove;
- Robusta blend is often used to provide texture and cream to coffee, especially in products such as soluble coffee and in some espresso blends, where its intense flavour and rich crema are particularly appreciated.
As you can guess, therefore, Robusta and Arabica are two almost ‘contrasting’ blends whose distinctive characteristics have contributed to their reputation as ‘rival coffees’. But let us examine, more specifically, what makes them so different.
Arabica vs Robusta: what are the differences
Now that you’ve got a general overview of the characteristics of Arabica and Robusta blends, let’s look in more detail at how they differ, through a summary list of the main points.
- The Arabica blend is sweeter, with complex aromatic notes that may include fruit, chocolate and flowers. Robusta, on the other hand, has a more bitter and strong taste with fewer flavour nuances;
- Arabica contains less caffeine than Robusta;
- Arabica grows better at higher altitudes and in cooler climates, while Robusta is more resistant, grows well at lower altitudes and tolerates a wide range of climatic conditions;
- Arabica has oval, slightly curved beans with a sinuous groove, generally larger than Robusta, whose beans are rounded, slightly smaller and with a straight groove;
- Arabica is prized for its delicate and nuanced flavour, while Robusta is mainly used to add texture and cream to blends, especially in soluble coffee and some espresso blends.
Conclusion
By this point, you will surely have made your final decision, the result of choosing between ‘team Arabica’ or ‘team Robusta’: which team did you decide to side with? If you want our advice, know that there is nothing to stop you from siding with both.
Arabica and Robusta are two totally opposite coffee blends, yet there is nothing to stop you from enjoying them both at different times. If, for example, you have a particularly heavy day ahead of you, a Robusta-based breakfast with an energy boost might be a good way to get off on the right foot. Conversely, if you are going through a difficult time and feel the need for a ‘special cuddle’, then the sweetness of Arabica might do the trick.
It goes without saying, of course, that if you are particularly attached to the specific flavour of one of these two blends, you can happily stick to it. But if you like the idea of experimenting, you might indulge in the pleasure of tasting both and thus have an enriching and complete experience.
