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BAKING INGREDIENTS COFFEE RICE & GRAINS

PEOPLE

Co ee Basics: The Di erence Between Arabica and Robusta

by FAITH DURAND PUBLISHED: FEB 4, 2008

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Once roasted, pre y much all coffee beans look the same. But did you know that there
are actually dozens of different varieties of coffee beans? When it comes to your daily
cup, though, there are really only two that ma er: Arabica and robusta. These are the
two primary types of coffee cultivated for drinking.

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11/13/2019 Coffee Basics: The Difference Between Arabica and Robusta | Kitchn

What’s the difference between the two? It’s significant, and it’s helpful to understand
when choosing coffee.

The two varieties differ in taste, growing conditions, price. Arabica beans tend to have
a sweeter, softer taste, with tones of sugar, fruit, and berries. Their acidity is higher,
with that winey taste that characterizes coffee with excellent acidity.

Robusta, however, has a stronger, harsher taste, with a grain-like overtone and
peanu y aftertaste. They contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans, and they are
generally considered to be of inferior quality compared to Arabica. Some robustas,
however, are of high quality and valued especially in espressos for their deep flavor
and good crema.

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11/13/2019 Coffee Basics: The Difference Between Arabica and Robusta | Kitchn

Robustas, however, are easier to grow. They can grow at lower altitutes than Arabicas,
and they are less vulnerable to pests and weather conditions. They produce fruit much
more quickly than the Arabicas, which need several years to come to maturity, and
they yield more crop per tree.

Robusta is grown exclusively in the Eastern Hemisphere, primarily in Africa and

Indonesia. Arabica is also grown in Africa and Papua New Guinea, but it’s grown
dominantly in Latin America. Colombia only produces Arabica beans. Some countries,
like Brazil and India, produce both.

Arabica, then, ends up being pricier, of course. Most supermarket coffee is exclusively
robusta, and instant and cheap ground coffees are certainly robusta. You can still find
Arabica in the grocery store, but just because it’s labeled Arabica does not mean it’s of
high quality.

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11/13/2019 Coffee Basics: The Difference Between Arabica and Robusta | Kitchn

Ultimately it’s a question of personal taste. Some all-arabica blends are too high and
floral for us; some of the rich, dark harshness of robusta can be a good thing in a blend.
Just remember that robusta has twice as much caffeine as arabica, too, when choosing a
coffee blend. If you want to skip most of the caffeine, see our tips for choosing decaf
coffee for our suggestions on coffee blends and origins.

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