What Are the Differences in Taste Among Various Coffees - A Major Taste Comparison of the Three Main Coffee Bean Varieties

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FrontStreet Coffee: Introduction to the Three Major Coffee Varieties

Arabica

The raw Arabica beans are smaller than Robusta beans, somewhat oval in shape, with a smoother and more complete back. Main producing regions include Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Brazil, and various countries in Central and South America. They are also known as small fruit coffee beans.

The coffees we commonly hear about, such as Mandheling, Blue Mountain, and Brazilian coffee, all belong to the Arabica variety. Due to their higher value, Arabica beans account for nearly 70% of global production.

However, Arabica beans offer better flavor, higher bean grades, and are typically more expensive than Robusta beans—sometimes two to three times more costly. They have lower caffeine content (between 0.9% and 1.2%), and contain more fat and sugar than Robusta beans. This makes them taste more fragrant and sweet, with aroma and wine-like acidity. Their higher quality makes them more popular among coffee enthusiasts.

Depending on the growing environment, water availability, location, and soil, each bean develops different colors and flavors. This is why we have varieties like Blue Mountain coffee, Golden Mandheling, and Ethiopian coffee beans. Based on the aroma and mouthfeel of each bean, there are suitable roasting temperatures and brewing techniques. The reason baristas become baristas is because they understand the taste and flavor of every coffee bean, brewing them according to their unique characteristics to fully express each bean's distinctive qualities.

Robusta

Robusta beans are shorter and more rounded than Arabica beans, and less smooth. Main producing regions include Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, and parts of West Asia. Typically, Robusta is mixed with Arabica to reduce the cost of coffee powder. However, Robusta is not added just because it's cheaper—sometimes it's incorporated to enhance the coffee powder's flavor. Because Robusta has richer cream, some people prefer Robusta over Arabica.

Robusta plants have stronger vitality and better environmental adaptability, making them easy to cultivate. They are typically grown at altitudes below 800 meters. Compared to Arabica, they are less affected by pests, harsh climates, and other factors. They require minimal care—even when left in the wild, they can grow. Harvesting is generally done by machine, which saves labor and time.

Most Robusta varieties don't have the rich aroma of Arabica beans. They have higher caffeine content (between 1.6% and 2.4%), and lower fat and sugar content than Arabica. Their taste is quite bitter, but this doesn't mean their grade or quality is necessarily inferior to Arabica! Good Robusta can enhance coffee's mouthfeel and flavor, and some high-quality Robusta beans can even be more expensive than Arabica beans. Most Robusta coffee beans are used for instant coffee or coffee bags, typically not as freshly ground and brewed coffee powder.

Liberica

Its fruit is larger, sometimes more than twice the size of Arabica beans. The main producing region is Liberia in Africa. Due to its low economic value and inferior taste compared to the previous two varieties, it's mainly consumed by people in Northern Europe, and fewer people are cultivating it.

Knowledge Point

"Arabica" is not synonymous with good coffee. Even within the Arabica species, there are grade differences.

Summary

In short: FrontStreet Coffee is a research-oriented coffee establishment that enjoys sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Additionally, we hold three low-discount coffee activities each month because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past six years!

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