Arabica
Arabica vs Robusta: Why Arabica Coffee is the Better Choice
If you’re a regular coffee drinker (and even if you’re not), you’ve probably heard the words “Arabica” and “Robusta” shouted from behind the counter of your favorite coffeehouse or highlighted in the search results of google. What is Arabica coffee and what makes it so different from Robusta? Here at Town Coffee, we only sell coffee made from Arabica beans. Why, you ask? We’ll explain.
What is Arabica Coffee? Some Fast Facts:
● Arabica coffee is made from the beans of a plant called coffea arabica, which originated in Ethiopia.
○ While Arabica Coffee beans originated in Ethiopia, the plant soon migrated to other areas of the world through Yemen trade.
○ Town Coffee uses arabica beans from Central and South America, grown in the mountainous and shaded regions of the areas.
● Also known as Arabian Coffee, this plant is believed to be the first consumed coffee plant in the world.
○ Arabica coffee beans were first consumed around 1,000 BC in what is now present day Ethiopia. The Oromo tribe of Kefa would crush the beans of the Arabica plant and mix it with fat to consume as a stimulant. It wasn’t until the 7th century, however, that the beverage known as coffee was created.
● Arabica is the most popular form of coffee in the world.
○ The Arabica coffee bean makes up to 60% or more of the total amount of coffee consumed throughout the world.
What is Robusta Coffee? Some Fast Facts:
● Robusta coffee is made from the beans of a plant called Coffea canephora, which originated in Africa.
○ This plant originated in Central and Western sub-Saharan Africa before migrating through the ancient trade routes.
● Robusta Coffee is the second most popular form of coffee in the world.
○ Worldwide, Robusta coffee beans make up the remaining 40% coffee production left after Arabica.
● Robusta Beans are typically used in espresso drinks.
○ Due to the high caffeine content found in Robusta beans, they are typically used to create creamy forms of espresso.
Arabica vs Robusta: What is the Difference?
While both Arabica and Robusta beans give us forms of the widely renowned beverage we know to be coffee, there are some key differences between the two that pack a punch. Those differences are as follows:
● Caffeine Content
○ Surprisingly, Arabica has a lower caffeine content than Robusta. Where Robusta contains about 2.7% caffeine content, Arabica only contains about 1.5%. This is why Robusta is commonly used to make espresso, as opposed to Arabica.
● Acidity of Flavor
○ The flavor of Arabica has more acidity than that of Robusta. The acidity of the Arabica beans draws out the fruity and nutty flavors of the coffee, offering a deeper and denser flavor profile than a Robusta roast.
● Sugar Content
○ Arabica beans contain a significantly larger amount of sugar than Robusta beans. This contributes to the large difference in popularity of the beans, as the average consumer reaches for a sweeter brew before settling for the bitter alternative.
● Price
○ While Arabica is more expensive than Robusta, you do get what you pay for. Arabica is extremely sensitive to environmental changes, making it a harder plant to grow, healthily. Due to the lengths taken to preserve the plant and the rich flavor it provides, the price of Arabica is higher.
So, Which is Better?
Hands down, Arabica is the better option. Arabica is rich in antioxidants, low in calories, can help you stay hydrated, and contains vitamins and minerals. Don’t believe us? You don’t have to! Try some for yourself! Here at Town Coffee we believe that the love of coffee is universal. Spending countless paychecks on drive-through coffee is all fine and well, but you shouldn’t have to. Enjoy the process of trying new coffee specialties without breaking the bank. We offer medium and dark Arabica roasts that will help you create an ideal flavor and experience without ever leaving your home! Have more coffee questions? Let us know! We’d love to give you answers.
