The identity of coffee: the differences between Arabica and Robusta
Coffee is much more than just a drink - it is a culture, a passion and a science. But did you know that coffee is actually part of a family of flowering plants called Rubiaceae? In this family there are over 500 genera and about 6000 species, but only one of them is responsible for the aromatic drink we adore - the Coffea. In the world of coffee, there are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica (Coffea Arabica) и Robusta (Coffea canephora). Find out more about their characteristics and why specialty coffee is almost always with Arabica background.
What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?
Coffee beans Arabica - refinement and aroma
Arabica is the most widespread type of coffee in the world, accounting for about 60-70% from Global Manufacturing. It features softer, sweet and complex flavour profiles and may contain hints of chocolate, fruit, nuts and caramel.
Main characteristics of Arabica:
- Lower caffeine content (~1.2-1.8%)
- Sweeter and fruity taste
- Greater sensitivity to climatic conditions
- Grows at higher altitudes (900 - 2000 m)
- Requires more care and attention when growing
Popular Arabica varieties include Typica и Bourbon, each of which has different variations and sub-varieties that contribute to the rich variety of flavor profiles in specialty coffee.
👉 See our selections from specially roasted Arabica coffee.
Coffee beans Robusta - strength and sustainability
Robusta Contained at more caffeine (about 2.2-2.7%) and has a stronger, more bitter and full-bodied taste, often with hints of cocoa, earthy flavours and nuts. This type of coffee is hardier and grows at lower altitudes (200-800 m), making it easier to grow.
Main features of Robusta:
- High caffeine content (up to 2 times more than Arabica)
- More bitter and full-bodied taste
- Higher resistance to pests and diseases
- Higher yields and easier cultivation
- Used frequently in espresso blends because of the thick cream (crema)
Although Robusta is not considered to be as high quality, some varieties can be very well processed and have interesting flavour characteristics.
Why is specialty coffee almost always Arabica?
The specialty coffee we roast in Blue Bag Coffee, coming from the best varieties of Arabicabecause we know every farm we work with and we know that the coffee cherries are picked by hand in their ripe period, and the beds are walked every day to pick only the properly ripened coffee cherries. This way the raw material is screened before it even arrives with us. Then, through our roasting profiles, we are able to achieve balance and complexity in flavor. Although Robusta has its advantages when it comes to coffee with more creaminess, Arabica remains the preferred choice.
💡 Did you know that? The increased caffeine content in Robusta acts as a natural defence against pests, making it more resistant to various diseases. At the same time Arabica, with lower caffeine content, requires greater care and attention from farmers.
English 
Bulgarian 
Romanian