What are the differences between Arabica and Robusta beans/coffee?

Since the arrival of coffee in India in the 16th century, it has positively impacted India. Coffee grown in India has distinct varieties and beautifully complex flavours. Just like the ‘Karan-Arjun’ of bollywood there is an iconic duo in the Indian Coffee Industry. India’s two gemstones - Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. Arabica and Robusta coffee are complete opposites, Arabica coffee gives smooth and sweet flavours and Robusta coffee is known for its high caffeine content. 

These variants of coffee beans offer absolutely distinct flavours with one being smoother while the other known for its boldness. Arabica and Robusta beans are also cultivated in India based on different regions with different climates. Let’s dive into the details and learn about the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee. 

TABLE OF CONTENT

What is Arabica Coffee?

What is Robusta Coffee?

Difference Between Arabica Coffee and Robusta Coffee 

Benefits of Arabica Coffee and Robusta Coffee

Geographical Location

Choose the Right Type of Coffee for you Palate

FAQS

What is Arabica Coffee?

Arabica beans or ‘Coffea Arabica’ are widespread in India. About 70% of the coffee cultivated in India is Arabica coffee. Said to have originated in Ethiopia in 700 AD, Arabica offers smooth and mild flavours with a sweet aroma. It is lightly roasted to get the perfect sweet and fruity flavour. Arabica coffee is known for having more sugar and less caffeine content as compared to other coffee varieties. 

Arabica coffee can be identified by its oval-shaped beans. There are some health benefits of Arabica coffee such as prevention of Alzheimer's and type 2 diabetes alongside it also has antioxidants and minerals that are great for one's well-being. Arabica coffee can be used to make easy homemade cold brew recipes as well. 

What is Robusta Coffee?

Starting its journey from Sub-Saharan Africa and soon landing in India, Robusta coffee, also known as ‘Coffea Canephora’ accounts for 30% of the total coffee produced in India. Robusta coffee is known for its high caffeine content which is about 2- 2.7%, almost double from Arabica coffee. 

Its flavour profile can be described as rich, bold and bitter as Robusta coffee has everything required in a strong shot of coffee. 

Anciently, Robusta coffee was used as a remedy for various remedies.

Difference Between Arabica Coffee and Robusta Coffee 

These two coffee variants might seem to be the same but the difference between Arabica and Robusta Coffee is huge. From the caffeine content to the tasting notes, everything differs in them and therefore, it results in two different kinds of coffee. 

Coffee enthusiasts prefer one type of coffee over the other depending on whether they like their coffee to be more sweet or more bitter. There is always a coffee type that fits your taste. It can be found through analysing the difference between Arabica Coffee and Robusta Coffee. 

Benefits of Arabica Coffee and Robusta Coffee

Each variety of coffee comes with its own flavours, culture, craftsmanship and  a set of offerings. Following are the benefits Arabica and Robusta have to offer. 

Arabica

1. Less acidic
2. Balanced caffeine content
3. Pleasant Aroma
4. Versatility - It can be used in various brewing methods and offer floral, fruity and nutty flavour profiles. 

Robusta

1. Bold and Intense Flavour
2. High caffeine content
3. Affordable
4. Best Suited for Espresso shots because of thicker cream

Geographical Location

Coffee cultivation is highly affected by the type of climate or region it is being grown in. Variation in altitude, weather condition, rainfall and humidity create different types of coffee. Arabica and Robusta coffee are grown in significantly different types of regions which result in completely different flavour profiles that these two coffee offer.

Arabica

Conditions required for Arabica coffee-

1. High-altitude
2. Cool Temperature
3. Ample Rainfall
4. Mountainous Region

Places where Arabica is grown in India-

1. Karnataka- Coorg, Chikmagalur, Hassan
2. Tamil Nadu- Nilgiris
3. Kerala- Wayanad and Idukki 

Robusta

Conditions required for Robusta coffee-

1. Low Altitude
2. Warm Climate
3. High Humidity 
4. Well- drained soil

Places where Robustais grown in India-

1. Karnataka- Chikmagalur
2. Tamil Nadu- Nilgiris
3. Kerala- Plains of Kerala

Choose the Right Type of Coffee for you Palate

Every person has a preference for coffee. Some like it hot while others enjoy it cold, some prefer black coffee while others can stand the bitterness and prefer sweet coffee and just like that the flavour profiles of coffee matter. 

The two types of coffee grown in India- Arabica and Robusta have significant flavours to offer. Since you must’ve known the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee by now, let's find out which type of coffee you should opt for between Arabica and Robusta based on your coffee preferences. 

FAQS

Q.1) What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee?

These are the two variants of coffee available in India. Arabica coffee offers a smooth, flavourful and less acidic coffee that has about 1.2-1.5% caffeine content. Robusta coffee is known for its boldness because of its 2.2-2.7% caffeine content. It offers a bold and bitter taste of coffee. 

Q. 2) Is Indian coffee Arabica or Robusta?

In India, two types of coffee are grown namely- Arabica and Robusta. Out of the total coffee cultivated in India 70% is Arabica Coffee and the rest 30% is Robusta coffee. Arabica coffee is grown mostly in Coorg and Nilgiris while Robusta is grown in Chikmagalur and Wayanad. 

Q.3) What type of coffee is the best?

Arabica coffee is the most popular and widely used coffee type in India. It is known for its smooth and complex flavours. It is typically used in black coffee as it offers a bit of natural sweetness and has lesser caffeine content not making it bitter. 

Q.4) What is the difference between Arabic coffee and regular coffee?

Arabica coffee is brewed using ground Arabica beans in unfiltered coffee water and served in small cups. Regular coffee is brewed using filtered water and various brewing techniques are used with it. 

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