The Difference Between Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans - Characteristics of Robusta Coffee Beans

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The Three Major Coffee Species

Currently, coffee beans in the world can be roughly divided into three major original species: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. Today, there are over one hundred varieties of coffee, with most cultivated varieties belonging to the three major original species systems and several hybrid varieties. Depending on the variety, origin, climate, altitude, and latitude, each will have its own unique characteristics.

Arabica

Arabica accounts for 60-70% of global coffee production. With a relatively high unit price, it offers a smoother flavor, milder taste, and richer aroma, making it more popular among the general public. It also has lower caffeine content.

Robusta

Robusta accounts for about 20% of total world production. The plant has strong resistance to pests and diseases, can grow in harsh environments, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to cultivate. However, it has a bitter and harsh taste with heavy off-flavors and higher caffeine content.

Liberica

Liberica is produced in a few countries and is mainly consumed locally in those regions.

Coffee Cherry Processing

Coffee trees grow coffee fruits to reproduce and continue their lineage. Coffee fruits are bright red and, due to their cherry-like appearance, are also known as "coffee cherries." The process of "processing" coffee cherries into green coffee beans refers to the method of removing the five layers of the coffee cherry (fruit): the outer skin (exocarp), pulp, pectin layer, inner skin (parchment layer or seed coat), and silver skin, to finally obtain the coffee bean (seed).

Physical Characteristics of Coffee Beans

Arabica coffee beans are smaller in size, with a long oval shape on the front side. The center crack is narrow and curved in an S-shape, and the back of the bean has a relatively complete arc shape. Robusta coffee beans are larger in size, with a front side that tends to be more circular, and the center crack forms a straight line.

Cultivation and Uses

In terms of cultivation, Robusta coffee trees have the characteristics of heat tolerance, cold resistance, drought tolerance, moisture resistance, strong pest and disease resistance, and strong adaptability. They can grow very well on flat land. Unfortunately, the coffee beans produced lack aroma, have strong bitterness (due to high caffeine content), and insufficient acidity, making them mainly used for instant coffee, canned coffee, or three-in-one instant coffee. In Italy, many coffee shops add an appropriate proportion of Robusta coffee beans when making espresso to enhance the "mouthfeel" (such as intensity, robustness, etc.).

How to Distinguish Between Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans:

Arabica coffee beans have a long oval, flat shape with an S-shaped center line.

Robusta coffee beans have an oval, spherical, or nearly spherical shape with a straight center line.

FrontStreet Coffee's Commercial Blend

In FrontStreet Coffee's [Commercial Blend], you can find Robusta beans. With the addition of 10% Robusta, the mouthfeel becomes relatively fuller and richer.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473