The secret behind every smooth, aromatic cup of coffee is the coffee bean. According to the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, there are 124 different species of coffee. When it comes to commercial cultivation, two species are prolific, while others are largely overlooked. Arabica and Robusta are considered the highest-quality coffee beans due to the extensive research and cultivation techniques tailored to these two coffee species.
Despite what may seem like a narrow approach, these two species can produce a very broad spectrum of flavors and characteristics. They can be tart, bitter, or sweet, with floral, herbal, fruity, or chocolatey aromas or notes.
As a coffee drinker, you’ve almost certainly tried both Arabica and Robusta, sometimes in the same cup. So, what’s the difference between the two?
Arabica
Arabica was first cultivated in the Ethiopian highlands in the 17th century and is generally grown at altitudes ranging from 900 meters to 1.5 km (3,000 ft – 4,900 ft). At this altitude, coffee has a high acidity but low caffeine content. Arabica typically has a higher sugar content than Robusta and generally has a cleaner profile with a lighter body.
The Arabica plant is the most difficult coffee bean to grow because it is susceptible to pests and insects and requires higher temperatures and altitudes than Robusta. Furthermore, the plant is fully mature at 7 years old and can grow up to 5 meters tall; however, the plant is pruned to 2 meters for commercial processing to keep the cherries within reach. The coffee’s flavor and aroma are typically floral, sweet, and smooth.
Robusta
This coffee plant species grows best between 600 meters and 1 km (2,000 feet and 3,280 feet) above sea level, which is lower than that of Arabica. Furthermore, mature Robusta trees take 3 years to mature and can grow up to 30 feet tall. Because the coffee plant is grown at a lower altitude, it produces chlorogenic acid, which maintains the flavor profile.
The unique feature of this coffee bean is that it is much more resistant to pests, making it easier to handle thanks to its protective coating. Therefore, this coffee bean is popularly grown in many other locations around the world. Furthermore, the coffee contains more caffeine and has a distinctive chocolatey, spicy, and earthy aroma with fruity notes.
