Arabica and Robusta, what are the differences?

What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta? In this article, we will explain why it is useful to know, especially when choosing your favorite coffee and extraction method. Arabica coffee Arabica beans tend to have a sweeter and softer taste, with tones of sugar, fruit and berries. Their acidity is higher, with that vinous taste that characterizes coffee with excellent acidity. Arabica is the most expensive variety and for this reason most supermarket coffees are exclusively robust. For example, instant coffees and cheap powdered coffees are commonly made from robust quality ground coffee. Although 100% Arabica can be easily found in some grocery stores, the quality may not necessarily be of a high level. Origins Arabica is grown mainly in Latin America (Colombia, for example, only produces Arabica beans), but we also find plantations in Africa.Robusta coffee Robusta beans have a stronger and bitter taste, with wood and earth nuances and an aftertaste of dried fruit and cocoa. They contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans and are generally considered to be of lower quality. Some robust ones, however, are of high quality and especially popular in espresso blends. Robusta is easier to grow than Arabica and also offers a higher yield per tree. It can grow at lower altitudes than the Arabian and in addition it is less vulnerable to parasites and atmospheric conditions. These trees produce fruits that grow much faster than their Arabian counterpart, which instead takes several years for the berries to ripen.Origins Robusta is grown exclusively in the eastern hemisphere, mainly in Africa and Indonesia. Which one to choose? It is always a matter of personal taste: some Arabica blends can be too acidic and floral and, for this reason, you may prefer blends with a variable percentage of Robusta. This combination aims to give the coffee body and strength and in particular to give the espresso a rich and dense cream. Italian espresso is made with a blend of Arabica and a high percentage of Robusta ranging from 20% to 50%. Lovers of American coffee could prefer 100% Arabica blends, since there is no need for great body, on the contrary, the most subtle and delicate aromas and perfumes should prevail. On our website, for each blend you will find the possibility to find out at what percentage of Arabica and Robusta they are made. Check out our store here.