Arabica and Robusta: what are they, what is the difference, features

Arabica and Robusta are varieties of a plant of the same family. However, robusta is a shrub, while arabica is a tree. Robusta grows 2 to 3 times taller. The grains of these plants differ in appearance, substance content and maturation process. This affects the taste and aromatic properties, strength and density of the drink made from them.

What are the differences between arabica and robusta?

The main differences between Arabica and Robusta:

• Robusta grows on flat or mountainous places and is not sensitive to environmental conditions. It is less affected by various diseases. Arabica is grown at altitudes between 600 and 2,000 meters. This plant is very demanding to many environmental factors. Arabica requires a temperature of +16° and medium humidity. Trees are fertilized, loosen the soil, provide watering. They are also treated against various fungi, insects and parasites.
• The best harvest of arabica is considered the very first collection of grains. With age, the value of the fruit falls. Robusta is characterized by a stable yield. With good care of the plants, the grains are of high quality.
• Robusta has bitterness, arabica gives the drink a sour taste.
• Robusta is stronger in caffeine.

After harvesting, Arabica is first soaked and fermented. This stage of processing is performed more than once. The beans then go through a drying stage and are delivered to coffee production. Robusta is harvested and immediately sent to the factory for roasting. It does not need to be soaked and fermented.

What Arabica and Robusta are good for

Arabica contains a lot of essential oils, sugars and lipids. These are what give the coffee its bright flavor and aroma. It has notes of citrus and fruit, chocolate flavor, and subtle acidity. Exactly what flavors and aromas will prevail in arabica depends on the region where it was grown.

Robusta has the advantages of an invigorating caffeine effect. It does not have as rich a flavor and aroma as arabica, there is a tartness. Robusta has less lipids and sugars. However, this coffee is loved by those who need to cheer up in the morning.

Most often drinks are made from a combination of arabica and robusta. It is common to combine 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta. However, some baristas add more Robusta. This way the cost of the drink is reduced and the flavor becomes unusual. Gourmets experiment with different combinations of these types of grains.

Robusta gives a very high-quality creamy structure and increases the saturation of this drink. If you brew a cappuccino from a roasted mixture of Arabica and Robusta, the drink will have notes of chocolate. Robusta is most often used to make instant coffee. Special processing of the beans eliminates bitterness and astringency.

Although Arabica is considered the best coffee among the most common types, Robusta also brings its own shades to coffee drinks. In addition, breeders are developing new varieties of Robusta that have less bitterness and more flavor.