Arabica vs Robusta is a debate that's been going on for a long time.In case you’ve never heard these names before, that’s quite alright. They form the backbone of the drink we all love and consume in copious amounts. Be it an instant coffee from a coffee dispenser or the artisanal coffee you’ve made using a french press in your home’s kitchen, it will be made either from arabica or robusta beans. But what is the difference between arabica and robusta coffee?
Before we dive into how the two are different and the age-old debate of which is better, let’s look into who they are -
Getting Acquainted with Arabica and Robusta
What is Arabica?
Arabica is among the oldest variants of coffee. It is also noted to be the most popular version of it. It predates back to the 15th century when coffee was first discovered. Since then, it has accounted for nearly 60% of the coffee beverages in the world.
Arabica comes in dozens of different variations. A few of these include -
1. Typica
2. Caturra
3. Pacamara
4. Villalobos
Health benefits
1. Is a major source of vitamin E
2. Good source of antioxidants
3. Improves cardiac health
4. Prevents the occurrence of diabetes
What is Robusta?
Made from the beans of the Coffea canephora plant which grows in western Africa, it is bitter in taste and has a coarser flavour. This makes it well-suited for people seeking a stronger coffee variant.
Some of the different types of coffee commonly prepared include -
1. Filter coffee
2. Espresso
Health benefits
1. Helps in weight loss
2. Prevention of skin disorders
3. Lowers the risk of migraines
Arabica vs Robusta - Which is Better?
In addition to being the most popular coffee consumed all over the world, these two are highly beneficial to a person’s health. So how do we compare the two, and more importantly- which is better - Robusta or Arabica?
Let’s look at the different parameters -
1. Raw Taste And Smell
On their own, Robusta presents a coarser and more raw taste. Many coffee bean harvesters have claimed it to have a harsh and unrefined feel. They seem to let out the smell of raw peanuts.
In contrast, Arabica coffee beans are said to have a sweeter and tangier taste. Once roasted and cooled, they seem to exude the scent of blueberries with sweet and fruity notes. .
2. Growing and Nurturing
The plants bearing Robusta coffee beans are known to be highly resilient. They can be grown at an altitude of 100 - 700 meters and can resist vermin infestations. Production costs for them are relatively low and have a good yield per acre.
In contrast, , Arabica coffee plants are noted to be extremely fragile and delicate in comparison. They are able to only grow in cool climatic conditions within the sub-tropical regions. They require moisture-rich soil with plenty of shade and sun. They are also susceptible to pests and can easily be damaged. An altitude of 1000 - 2000 meters above sea level is ideal for Arabica plants to flourish.
3. Price Point
The robusta coffee bean plant is hardy and is easily able to withstand harsh conditions. For this reason alone, it does not require a high degree of maintenance. Subsequently, the costs for it are greatly reduced. In addition, it promotes the practice of multi-cropping or inter-cropping (the practice of planting multiple crops on the same soil) which improves the overall production yield. As a result, it is available on the market at a low pricing point.
On the other hand, Arabica is more delicate and fragile. Arabica requires a great deal more maintenance. This alone makes it a premium grade model of the standard coffee that is available at the local marketplace. With all these factors considered. Arabica coffee and coffee beans are available at a much higher price than Robusta.