Coffee Bean Varieties and Origins: Robusta's Dry and Unrefined Flavor Profile

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Coffee Bean Varieties

Arabica: The Synonym for Premium Coffee

Arabica varieties account for about 70% of global coffee production. The coffee beans we commonly refer to as "original beans" in daily life are mostly Arabica varieties. Due to their captivating aroma and rich flavors, Arabica coffee is considered synonymous with premium coffee beans. These coffee characteristics are closely related to their cultivation environment.

The highland regions of Ethiopia are the birthplace of Arabica varieties. Perhaps because the origin of Arabica varieties is in the highland areas near the equator, they are neither heat-tolerant nor cold-resistant, and can only be cultivated in places where the average annual temperature remains between 15-25°C.

Regions with stable temperatures year-round, without distinct seasons, are found only in the equatorial zone. However, the average temperature in this area is quite high, making direct ground cultivation difficult. Therefore, coffee is cultivated in highland areas using the principle that temperature decreases by 1°C for every 100m increase in altitude. For example, in equatorial regions with an average annual temperature of 40°C, highland areas at 1500m altitude can maintain temperatures around 25°C, and only in such places can coffee grow.

Additionally, highland areas maintain an average temperature of around 25°C, but the temperature difference between day and night is significant, which has a close impact on plant photosynthesis and respiration.

During the day, with high temperatures and strong sunlight, photosynthesis is very active, forming large amounts of glucose and other beneficial compounds. Conversely, at night when temperatures drop sharply, respiration is relatively reduced. Such cultivation conditions further highlight the characteristics of Arabica varieties, making the aroma more intense and complex, producing high-quality acidity. This is the same principle as why vegetables from high-altitude, cold regions are crisper and sweeter than ordinary vegetables.

Arabica raw beans are flat in shape, with curved central lines and almost no gaps. From the side, they show winding curves and feel slightly moist and soft to the touch.

Robusta: Not Just for Instant Coffee

Robusta varieties were first discovered in Congo. Compared to Arabica varieties, they are more heat-tolerant and can be cultivated in low-altitude regions. In these plain areas, plant respiration is more active than photosynthesis. For plants in these plain areas, some of the sugars and other compounds produced through photosynthesis are consumed in the formation of coffee aroma and flavor, but most are consumed in the formation of plant root and branch tissues. Such cultivation conditions give Robusta beans their inherent characteristics.

Compared to Arabica varieties, Robusta varieties have a milder aroma, with bitterness more prominent than acidity. When extracting freshly roasted Robusta coffee beans, they emit a fragrant aroma similar to corn tea, with strong body and thickness.

Robusta is commonly used for making canned coffee and instant coffee. The main reason is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to Arabica. Additionally, this is closely related to Robusta's strong bitterness and good texture. Robusta coffee itself has excellent texture. Although some aroma may be lost during processing, this can be compensated by adding other coffees that enhance aroma, which can also reflect the coffee's freshness. It is also often used in espresso blends. Even with light roasting, Robusta varieties can extract coffee with rich flavor and high-quality oils.

Today, consumers find it difficult to buy good Robusta coffee beans because most Robusta beans are mass-produced into instant coffee. The Robusta beans circulating in the market are mostly low-quality, low-priced raw beans. Because of this, Robusta beans are often misunderstood as low-grade coffee beans.

Robusta beans are fuller than Arabica beans, with central lines that split vertically. From the side, they are usually flat or have a raised center, feel harder than Arabica beans, and feel like small stones.

Knowledge Point: Robusta coffee beans can not only serve as a "price adjustment" role but also enhance the body of coffee.

In Brief

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