What Is The Best Coffee Beans? Arabica vs Robusta
Arabica Coffee Beans
It is the first type of bean discovered, traced back to Ethiopia in the 15th century. But it only gained popularity when it was spread around Arabia, via Yemen. This location, where people started to drink it as a stimulant, gave the plant the name Coffea Arabica.
In the second half of the 17th century, the habit of drinking coffee began to spread worldwide, and other regions such as Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala began cultivating the plant.
To thrive, the arabica tree requires higher altitudes (1000 – 2000m) and a moderate climate between 15-25 oC. It takes nine months for the flower to ripen into the coffee cherry. When ready to harvest, it yields 1500-3000 hectares of beans.
Arabica’s Taste
The high-quality arabica tastes sweet and smooth, with floral and fruity notes and a pleasant aroma resembling berries. It is the favourite bean for most coffee lovers, with a higher percentage of world production, 60-70%.
Robusta Coffee Beans
It originated in Central and West Africa, but countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and India nowadays cultivate it. The plant, named Coffea Canephora, grows well at low altitudes in hot, humid equatorial climates.
The plantation is less susceptible to diseases, facilitating the production in large amounts, between 2300-4000 hectares when ready, which contributes to it being cheaper.
It takes longer than the Arabica to mature, 10-11 months, although the time of pruning and fertilising is usually shorter than that of the Arabica bean type.
Robusta, when compared to Arabica, is often seen as an inferior product; however, it should not be a matter of being better or worse, since these two coffee cherries produce drinks with different tastes to suit individual palates.
Robusta’s Taste
It has a higher caffeine content and a more pungent, bitter taste, which can vary with the roasting and brewing process.
In general, Robusta coffee pleases those who like a full-bodied espresso with a strong caffeine taste. Moreover, it is widely used in coffee blends for drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes to preserve the caffeine taste that milk can underwhelm.
Perfect Balance in Coffee Blends With Two Main Types of Coffee Beans
A 100% Arabica coffee bean will indeed produce a smooth, sweet cup of coffee, while Robusta beans will give a full-bodied espresso. Sometimes, a well-balanced blend with a perfect mix can offer the best cup of coffee.
A 60% arabica with 40% Robusta offers smoothness and sweetness while maintaining a caffeine taste. In comparison, a mix of 70% Robusta and 30% arabica will produce a strong drink with subtle hints of fruit and spices.
We’ve shared our tips for finding the best cup of coffee, split into three articles on coffee beans, transport and packaging, and preparation methods. Although personal taste plays a big role in coffee, knowing exactly what you are looking for will help you enjoy it even more.
