The Difference Between Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Two Major Coffee Varieties

Coffee belongs to the Rubiaceae family, Coffea genus, as evergreen shrubs. It is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn (23°26′ North and South latitude), an area also known as the "Coffee Belt" or "Coffee Zone." Scientists point out that the Coffea genus contains four subgenera, including Eucoffea. The Eucoffea subgenus is further divided into several subspecies such as Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora, and Coffea liberica, with a total of 103 native coffee species classified within these subspecies. Fortunately, among these, very few varieties can be artificially cultivated to produce coffee beans with significant commercial value. The three major native coffee species we often mention are the outstanding ones: Coffea Arabica, Coffea Robusta, and Coffea Liberica. Our agricultural department has named them: small-grained coffee, medium-grained coffee, and large-grained coffee respectively. I'm sure everyone is familiar with the name "Yunnan small-grained coffee."

Arabica (Coffea Arabica)

The origin of Arabica is the Abyssinian Plateau in Ethiopia (now the Ethiopian Plateau). Initially, it was mainly used as medicine (Islamic couples used it as a secret medicine for treating body and mind or for refreshing the brain). In the 13th century, the habit of roasting and drinking was cultivated. In the 16th century, it was introduced to Europe through the Arab region and subsequently became a beverage loved by people worldwide.

Among all coffees, Arabica accounts for 70%-80%. Its excellent flavor and aroma make it the only coffee among these native species that can be consumed directly. However, its resistance to drought, frost damage, pests, and diseases is too low, and it is particularly intolerant of coffee's natural enemy—leaf rust disease. Therefore, all producing countries are dedicated to variety improvement. Sri Lanka is an example. In the past, Sri Lanka was once a renowned coffee-producing country, but by the end of the 19th century, due to the rampant spread of leaf rust disease, no coffee plantations were spared. Since then, Sri Lanka has turned to developing the black tea industry and is listed alongside India as a black tea kingdom.

Major producing regions for Arabica coffee beans include South America (except for parts of Argentina and Brazil), Central America, Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, and other places, mainly East African countries), and Asia (including parts of Yemen, India, and Papua New Guinea).

Robusta (Coffea Robusta)

A leaf rust-resistant variety discovered in the Congo, Africa, it has stronger disease resistance than Arabica. People like to compare Robusta and Arabica coffee. In fact, Robusta was originally a mutant variety of Coffea Canephora, so it should be Coffea Canephora that is compared with Arabica. However, to this day, the name Robusta has become commonly used by the public, and it is regarded as the same species as Coffea Canephora.

Arabica coffee beans grow in cooler high-altitude tropical regions. The high-temperature, humid areas unsuitable for Arabica coffee growth are where Robusta coffee thrives. Robusta has a unique aroma (called "Robust flavor," an off-flavor that some consider musty) and bitterness. Just 2%-3% in blended coffee can make the entire cup taste like Robusta. Its flavor is so distinct and strong that you might want to think twice before tasting it directly. It is generally used in instant coffee (its extracted coffee liquid is about twice that of Arabica), canned coffee, liquid coffee, and other industrially produced coffees. The caffeine content is about 3.2%, much higher than Arabica's 1.5%.

Major Robusta coffee-producing countries include Indonesia, Vietnam, and West African countries centered around Côte d'Ivoire, Algeria, and Angola. In recent years, Vietnam has been striving to join the ranks of major coffee-producing countries and has included coffee production in national policy (Vietnam also produces some Arabica coffee).

Knowledge Point

Robusta is cultivated at altitudes below 800 meters. Robusta has extremely strong adaptability and strong resistance to pests and diseases.

Briefly

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