In nature, there are more than 40 types of coffee tree, but mainly only two are used for use in the production of coffee - these are Arabica and Robusta. The difference between robusta and arabica is great, ranging from chemical composition to taste. So what is the difference between these two types of coffee?
2. There are several main differences.
1. The shape of the coffee bean
Arabica beans have an elongated oval shape. Robusta beans are generally smaller than Arabica beans and have a more rounded shape.
2. Growing conditions
Both types of coffee require different growing conditions. Arabica is grown much higher than robusta - it is from 600 to 2200 meters above sea level, and robusta grows up to 800 meters above sea level. In addition, robusta requires a more humid and warmer climate. For example, comfortable climatic conditions for robusta are 18-36 degrees Celsius, with an annual rainfall of 2000-3000 mm, while arabica is less whimsical - 15-24 degrees Celsius, with 1200-2000 mm of precipitation per year, respectively.
3. The size of the coffee tree
Arabica trees are less tall than robusta trees. Arabica can reach heights of up to 4.5 meters, in contrast to the robusta tree, which can stretch up to 6 meters.
4. Genetic differences
Arabica has 44 chromosomes, versus 22 in robusta.
5. The chemical composition of coffee beans
Robusta contains 2 times more caffeine than Arabica, which directly affects the tonic properties of the drink. However, due to the lower content of sucrose and more chlorgenic acid compared to Arabica, Robusta coffee cannot boast of good taste and aroma. Most often, Robusta is used as an additive to Arabica to increase the proportion of caffeine in a blend of these two types of coffee.
6. Difficulty in growing a tree
The robusta tree is less whimsical to care for than the Arabica tree. At lower costs in cultivation in comparison with arabica, robusta gives a higher yield of grain, which is less susceptible to diseases and damage by insects due to the high content of caffeine and chlorgenic acid.
7. Price
Due to the lower costs of growing, the price of robusta grain is almost half that of arabica grain. Truth and organoleptic qualities are also two times lower than Arabica.
8. Taste qualities
Both coffees have a flavor profile that derives from the chemical composition of the beans. Roasted robusta is more bitter due to the high content of caffeine and chlorgenic acid, which is absent in Arabica, which has a characteristic sourness and aroma due to the higher amount of sucrose and lipids than robusta. The taste of a pure robusta drink can be characterized as "rough" without any shades and nuances, in contrast to Arabica, which can have many shades of taste and aroma, depending on the variety and processing conditions.
9. Application of robusta and arabica
As a rule, Robusta is used in mixtures with Arabica in various proportions to increase the proportion of caffeine, as well as reduce the cost of the finished product. In addition, a large amount of robusta beans are used to make instant coffee. If you regularly consume inexpensive instant coffee, then it's safe to say that it is made with the maximum proportion of Robusta and the minimum of Arabica.
