Arabica vs Robusta: Difference

Coffee belongs to the Rubiaceae family, and there are several species: Arabica, Robusta, Eugenoides, Excelsa, and Liberica.

People mostly cultivate and consume Arabica and Robusta, but even here, things are not so simple. Which one is better? This debate has been going on for years between fans of one type and those who prefer the other.

Arabica accounts for about 70% of global coffee production, but what is the secret?

Taste: Arabica vs Robusta

Arabica

• The bean is slightly larger and has an S-shaped crease

• Contains more complex acids because it grows at higher altitudes

• Higher sugar content

• Less caffeine

• Less bitterness due to lower levels of chlorogenic acids

Robusta

• The bean is slightly smaller, and the line in the middle is straighter rather than S-shaped

• Lower acidity because it grows in lowlands

• Less sugar

• More caffeine

• More bitterness due to a higher content of chlorogenic acids (which help protect the plant from insects, acting as a natural toxin for them)

This shows that Arabica is generally more complex and diverse, with more acids and sugars and less bitterness and caffeine. So why do people like Robusta?

This largely comes down to taste preferences, which are often shaped by culture. For example, in southern regions, coffee is usually roasted darker than in the north. Because of this, many people simply prefer a more bitter coffee, which they believe gives them a stronger energy boost.

However, if you are open to trying something new, you may find yourself appreciating Arabica more over time, as it continues to surprise with its variety and complexity. New varieties are constantly being discovered, and new hybrids are being developed in laboratories, offering endless opportunities for experimentation.

Genetics and reproduction: Arabica vs Robusta

Arabica

• Arabica is a self-pollinating plant

• This means one plant can pollinate itself

• Therefore, its genetics are more stable

• The flavour profile tends to be more consistent from one variety to another

Robusta

• Robusta is cross-pollinated

• It requires another plant for pollination

• Because of this, its genetics are more diverse and tend to have less consistency in flavour

However:

• Robusta does not have “male and female trees” in a strict sense

• Its flowers contain both male and female organs

• It simply cannot efficiently self-pollinate

In addition to its taste advantages, Arabica also stands out for its stability and consistency due to its biological characteristics.

In the end, the choice is always yours, but once you discover this world, there is no going back. Now you know what to look for. The next step is easier than you think — explore our current selection of single origins coffees and find the one worth trying first.