What is Arabica Coffee? Arabica vs. Robusta: 11 Tasty Differences
Curious about the differences between arabica vs. robusta?
Arabica coffee is the world’s most popular type of coffee. In this post, we’re going to talk about all things arabica – then you can decide if it’s actually better than robusta.
What is Arabica Coffee?
With all the different kinds of coffee beans to choose from (not to mention all those wonderful coffee drinks) you may be wondering what arabica coffee is – and how it affects your daily java.
What is arabica coffee?
Arabica coffee is a type of coffee made from the beans of the Coffea arabica plant.
Arabica originated in the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia and is the most popular kind of coffee worldwide, making up 60% or more of coffee production worldwide.
Second to arabica in popularity is robusta coffee which is made from the beans of the Coffea canephora plant.
Why is it called “Arabica” coffee?
According to this article on ThoughtCo.com, it’s called arabica coffee because in the 7th century, the beans went from Ethiopia to lower Arabia.
In Ethiopia, the beans were crushed and mixed with fat to be eaten as a stimulant by the Oromo tribe.
But once they arrived in Arabia, “coffee” was born. Arab scholars wrote about it for the first time as a brewed beverage, saying it helped them prolong their work hours. From their coffee, coffee spread around the world.
If coffee beans were brewed into a delicious beverage for the first time in Arabia, it’s easy to see why it’s called arabica coffee, and why it’s also known as Arabian coffee.
What does arabica coffee taste like?
High-quality arabica coffee should have a slightly sweet flavor, with hints of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. You may also notice hints of fruit and berries.
There will be a slight/pleasant acidity and a little bitterness. Cold brewing coffee can help bring out the sweet flavors of arabica even more.
The roast you choose will affect the degree to which you notice the flavors. The area and soil composition in which the beans are grown can also affect the balance of the above flavors.
Storing coffee beans properly so they stay nice and fresh is a great way to help preserve those yummy flavor notes.
Most of the coffee beans you see at the grocery store, market, coffee shop, and cafe – are arabica coffee. Some brands will mix arabica and robusta coffee beans, especially espresso blends. But the majority is arabica coffee.
So, all those yummy coffee drinks at your local cafe (including white coffee) yup, they’re probably all arabica.
And when you’re deciding how to make coffee at home, grabbing a bag of arabica will give you the best results.
How is arabica coffee grown?
The Coffea arabica or arabica coffee plant does not like harsh climates; it likes humidity and can’t handle frost.
It prefers temperatures between 15°C and 24°C (59°F and 75°F) and likes to be grown in the shade. Think subtropical.
It’s usually grown at elevations of around 1,900+ feet (600+ meters) above sea level. It likes to be grown on hillsides and matures at about 7 years of age.
The plant grows to around 9-12 meters in the wild. When grown for commercial use, it can reach about 5 meters tall but is usually kept at about 2 meters to help with harvesting.
The flowers are small and white, they smell like jasmine flowers, sweet and pretty.
The beans (which are actually seeds) are found inside of the berries that grow on this shrub-like plant. The berries are harvested when they are “cherry” or deep-red/dark-purple, there are usually 2 beans in each berry.
Much like blueberries, the fruit of the arabica coffee plant does not ripen at the same time, so the berries are best when picked by hand. If they are harvested before they are fully ripe the result is inferior coffee.
When the arabica coffee beans are removed from the berries, a “parchment coat” and a “silver skin” also have to be removed.
Need a gift for a coffee lover? Check out these gifts for coffee snobs – you’re sure to find something they’ll love.
Where is arabica coffee grown?
Arabica coffee grows best in tropical climates around the equator. Some of the best coffee comes from South America and Africa.
High-quality arabica can be found in the following countries:
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Ecuador: This was my favorite coffee while living in Ecuador. Unfortunately, we can’t get this here in Canada.
- Colombia
- Ethiopia
- Burundi
- Brazil
- Rwanda
- India
The above list is just a short list of some of the countries growing the arabica coffee bean. Brazil is the largest producer of arabica coffee in the world.
More reading: How long does coffee last? Does coffee go bad?
21 Types of Arabica Beans
Are there different kinds of arabica coffee beans? The Arabica coffee bean has a large family from which dozens of varieties are cultivated.
Some of these varieties are distinctive of specific coffee-growing regions, while others are grown in many areas around the world.
Here are some of the most common types of Arabica.
- Typica: Typica is considered one of the first coffee varieties, from which other varieties are grown today. It’s known for its clean, sweet cup. To produce a particular taste or hearty plant, Typica is most often cross-bred with other varieties which you’ll see below.
- Bourbon: Bourbon is also considered one of the first coffee varieties. The name Bourbon looks like a well-known alcoholic beverage, but in this case, it’s a coffee bean that’s pronounced Bor-BONN. Flavor notes include chocolate and fruit overtones. Many other kinds of Arabica are produced by crossbreeding the Bourbon plant. The following arabica varieties are all cross-bred from either Typica or Bourbon.
- Caturra: Caturra is a natural hybrid of the Bourbon strain that was found growing in Brazil during the early 1900s, but it flourishes better today in the higher altitudes of Central America. This variety produces coffee with a light body and citric flavor.
- Catimor: This variety is actually a crossbreed between Caturra and Timor, of which the latter is a hybrid baby of Arabica and Robusta beans. Catimor inherited the harsh flavors of the Robusta bean, but some strains that are grown in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and India produce a more mellow flavor.
- Catuai: A hybrid of Caturra and Mundo Novo (a Bourbon/Typica hybrid), the Catuai variety is widely grown in Brazil and produces a tasty coffee with tangy acidity and subtle sweetness.
- Gesha: Originating near the town of Gesha, Ethiopia, but imported to Panama, this variety is the new kid on the block that’s been quickly rising in the popularity ranks ever since it won top honors in the 2004 Panamanian Cup of Excellence competition. Growing at a high altitude in the Central American tropics gives it a unique, delicate taste that brings to mind tropical fruit, jasmine, and honeysuckle. Gesha (sometimes called Geisha) coffee is one of the world’s most expensive types of coffee.
- Jackson: Developed in the African countries of Burundi and Rwanda, the Jackson variety is rapidly making a name for itself due to its delicate, acidic edge.
- Jamaican Blue Mountain: Not only is Jamaican Blue Mountain an Arabica bean variety, but it’s also the name of the mountainous region in Jamaica where it grows. (Although, it also grows in Hawaii). It’s well-favored for its light body, creamy-smooth mouthfeel, and mild flavor that offers just enough sweetness that you don’t need to add any sugar or cream.
- Jember: This Typica strain of Arabica is widely cultivated throughout Indonesia and produces coffee known for a heavy body and rich, buttery feel, and a sweetness akin to brown sugar and caramel.
- Kent: A forerunner of Jember, Kent is another Indonesian strain. But, this variety produces a lighter body and a delicate spicy/floral flavor.
- Kona: Another of the world’s more expensive coffees is Kona. This unique coffee is exclusively grown on the slopes of two volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Hualalai) in the North and South Kona Districts of the Big Island. The climate, altitude, and rich lava soil all together produce the features that Kona coffee is so famous for a light body and naturally sweet and fruity flavor that hints at spices and nuts.
- Maragogype: Nicknamed the “elephant bean coffee” because of its large bean size, Maragogype grows in Brazil and offers a heavy, buttery body with hints of citrus/floral flavors.
- Maracatu/Maracaturra: A crossbreed between Maragogype and Caturra, this variety is grown in the high altitudes of Central America and features a lively ripe fruit flavor.
- Mocca/Mokha: This small bean grows in Hawaii and Yemen and yields a strong chocolate flavor.
- Mundo Novo: A natural hybrid between Bourbon and Typica from Brazil, this bean is often used as a base for other popular varieties. On its own, it’s slightly bitter with a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Pacamara: The offspring of the Pacas and Maragogype beans, Pacamara grows in Central America (especially El Salvador) and produces a coffee that’s balanced with sweet acidity and floral flavors.
- Pacas: This natural Bourbon mutation produces well in El Salvador and yields a cup that’s both sweet and spicy with floral traces.
- Pache: This variety grows in Guatemala and is known for its flat, smooth flavor that makes it popular in coffee blends.
- SL-34 and SL-28: These variety names look more like a scientific formula, but they are the coffee beans that make up the majority of Kenya’s coffee exports. Commonly called “blueberry bombs,” they are known for their fine, fruit/wine tastes.
- Villa Sarchi: Developed near the Costa Rican town of Sarchi, this natural Bourbon hybrid offers a medium body with refined acidity and pronounced fruit flavor.
- Villalobos: Also grown in Costa Rica, Villalobos thrives in poor soil and yields a pleasing balance of lively acidity and sweetness that’s just enough that you don’t need to add any sugar or cream.
Now that we know a little bit more about arabica, let’s compare it with its opponent – Robusta.
Arabica vs. Robusta: 11 Differences
What’s the difference between the two heavy hitters in the world of coffee? Let’s do a little arabica vs robusta comparison.
- Arabica has less caffeine than robusta. Arabica contains 1.5% caffeine content whereas robusta contains 2.7%. This may be a consideration for people concerned about the negative effects of too much caffeine. Arabica would be a better choice in their case. Caffeine also has a bitter flavor – which makes arabica less bitter than robusta.
- Arabica contains more sugar than robusta. Arabica has almost twice as much sugar content as robusta. The majority of people prefer sweet over bitter flavors, this probably accounts for the difference in popularity.
- Arabica contains more lipids than robusta. There are around 60% more lipids (fats, oils, waxes, certain vitamins, hormones…) in arabica coffee.
- Arabica flavor has higher acidity than robusta. This is much like the acidity which makes wine taste good. It adds to the fruit, chocolate, and nutty flavors in arabica coffee. Robusta is lower in this quality which lends to the woody or burnt rubber flavor.
- Arabica is more popular than robusta. Arabica makes up 60% – 75% or more of worldwide coffee production. Robusta makes up the other 40% or less.
- Arabica has a more pleasant flavor than robusta. The flavor of arabica is described as being rich with hints of chocolate, nuts, fruit, and berries. Robusta, on the other hand, tastes bitter, earthy, and rubbery.
- Arabica is more expensive than robusta. Arabica is more difficult to cultivate because of how sensitive it is to the environment and the fact that it produces less per hectare than robusta. It also tastes better which makes the demand higher. So it’s more expensive than robusta.
- Arabica is more fragile than robusta. Arabica prefers a consistent climate (no harsh changes) and temps between 15 and 24 °C (59 and 75 °F) whereas robusta can handle higher temps 18°-36°C (64-97°F) and harsher changes in climate. Arabica also prefers a humid climate compared to robusta which can handle more direct sunlight and more drastic changes in rainfall. Arabica usually grows at higher elevations and takes longer to mature which adds to its full flavor. It’s also more susceptible to damage by pests than robusta.
- Arabica beans are shaped and colored differently than robusta. The arabica bean is slightly larger with an oval shape, and the robusta is more round. The raw arabica bean is also lighter in color than the robusta bean.
- Arabica produces less per year than robusta. Per hectare, the arabica coffee plant produces less per year than the robusta coffee plant. This makes arabica more expensive to grow than its opponent.
- Arabica beans smell different than robusta. The arabica coffee bean smells a bit like blueberries before it’s roasted, the robusta smells kind of like peanuts.
Which is Better: Arabica or Robusta?
If you’re going with popular opinion (or my opinion): arabica is the better bean.
I hear that a very high-quality robusta coffee can be quite nice, but I haven’t tasted one yet.
In the past, a lot of instant coffee was made from robusta beans, which may explain why it has had a bad reputation (at least in North America). But there have been improvements in the world of instant coffee and the use of 100% arabica has improved the flavor.
But then again people like different things, perhaps you like instant coffee made from robusta, or maybe you like bitter, rubbery flavors. If that’s the case, you would probably say robusta tastes better.
If you’re deciding based on the caffeine punch then robusta is the clear winner.
So I guess the real answer to this question depends on how big of a jolt you want, or what your taste buds tell you is delicious. For me, and the majority of human beans (get that bean joke there? Sad – I know, but a girl can try) it’s arabica coffee.
Read more about how to make strong coffee.
What are the Benefits of Arabica Coffee?
There are over a hundred species of coffee out there, each with its own benefits.
But let’s focus on the benefits of arabica coffee, which may indeed be the same for other types of coffee.
Arabica beans are popular for making iced coffee – because of their subtle flavors.
7 Benefits of Arabica Coffee
Here are some of the benefits of arabica coffee.
Arabica coffee:
- is rich in antioxidants.
- contains caffeine which can help you stay alert and focused
- is low in calories (without added milk or sugar)
- contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals – like niacin, magnesium, riboflavin, manganese, and potassium
- can help you stay hydrated (according to this study) because it’s 95% water
- is said to have beneficial results when used in skin care products (moisturizes, smooths, nourishes, and tones)
- is comforting and yummy! Plus you get to enjoy the feeling of warmth in your hands as you drink it from cool mugs you’ve collected on your travels (or, maybe that’s just me)
So now that we’ve talked about the benefits let’s take a look at some of the popular arabica coffee brands.
Arabica Coffee Brands
When looking for good arabica coffee brands it pays to do your research (or in this case, let us do it for you) because some coffee brands mix their beans, arabica & robusta, which can lead to an unpleasant flavor.
When the following brands are brewed correctly, you shouldn’t get much, if any of that going on. You’ll taste those flavor hints we talked about earlier, chocolate and nuts.
That being said, the flavor is a bit of a funny thing because we all perceive it a little (or a lot) differently.
So you may need to try a few of the following brands to find your favorite.
When you do we would love to hear what it is, please join us in the comments on this post.
4 Best Arabica Coffee Brands to Try:
- Kicking Horse Coffee is a popular organic choice from the arabica coffee brands. This variety pack would help you figure out which flavors you like best. It includes a medium, and two dark roast varieties – Three Sisters (medium), Kick Ass, and 454 Horse Power (dark), get it whole bean. Or try a 4 bag variety pack of ground Arabica coffee which includes the above varieties, plus Grizzly Claw – which is another dark roast.
- Camano Island Coffee Roasters Organic Papua New Guinea is another among the organic arabica coffee brands. This is a whole bean, medium roast coffee with flavor hints of chocolate. These are fairly traded and free of pesticides. Some of the reviewers say that they don’t need to add creamer because it is not very bitter.
- WILD JO is a great choice for an arabica coffee brand. This is ground, dark roast organic coffee with flavor notes of dark chocolate, and brown sugar. Not a bad way to start the day…
- Verena Street, Nine Mile Sunset is another great choice when looking for an arabica coffee brand. When brewed right this ground – dark roast coffee is bold without the burnt or smoky bitterness that some dark roasted coffee has.
Arabica Coffee and You
Do you have a favorite go-to arabica coffee? I can’t say that I have found that perfect arabica for me yet. I like trying different kinds. As long as I choose a good quality arabica coffee, it tastes pretty wonderful. It might cost a little more, but it’s worth it. Sometimes the cheap ones just end up in the garbage anyway.
Here’s a pic of Bryan and I enjoying a nice cup of arabica at one of our favorite cafes in Ecuador. We just love travel, and trying the local coffee is always a highlight.
Right now I’m enjoying a bag of arabica that my in-laws brought us back from their trip to Hawaii, it’s smooth, chocolaty, and nutty – I’m loving it!
Let us know about some of your favorite arabica experiences by joining us in the comments.
Nice
I learnt many things about coffee. I know only arabica simply as coffee scientific name. But now I know robusta and differences between it and arabica.contents of them.at all thank you very much. I will be your member.
At this time I am living in the Philippines and tasting different Cordillera coffees. Quite delicious, my problem is that when I lived in Jamaica I loved the local Blue Mountain coffee and in the US I enjoyed Camano Islands Papua New Guinea coffee, which I believe to be originally grown from Blue Mountain beans. I despair of finding another coffee as good as either of these.
I’m a professional barista and I like how you added my personal knowledge, shukran Jazira
Thanks for your detailed information about coffee. we would like to receive your information on coffee in the future.
thanks
The filter coffee I drink everyday is also a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. I never tried understanding why it tasted so good but after reading this interesting blog I got to learn a lot today. Thanks for sharing!
I WOULD LIKE TO BUY THE ARABICA AND ROBUSTA GREEN COFFEE BEANS. MY MOBILE : +852 93268398
This is great idea and article about the arabica coffee. I’m glad that i found your blog, very helpful and informative. I really appreciate.
very good idea about coffee production
Great article-thank you! My absolute favorite coffee is Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee. Had it there in Jamaica, as well as in the states. So mild and great tasting! Wish it wasn’t so pricey. God bless you for all your research!
Good Day,
I am compiling a barista guide and would like to use your article as part of the Introduction to coffee. Please point me in the direction of whom I should consult about this. Thanks
Hey Brad – thanks for reaching out. You can get in touch here: https://storytellermedia.io/contact-us/
Bryan
Kia Ora Dena,
I’m a student from New Zealand and i’m currently studying Hospitality. Right now, i’m about to start my Coffee Block where we are studying Coffee origins etc. and i just want to thank you for all of this amazing information. Its everything i need to know about Arabica beans and the comparisons between it and Robusta are just fantastic. I appreciate it.
Thank you!
I’m really glad you found it helpful. 🙂
And thanks for commenting.
Hi there. Great article. I enjoyed reading it. As a Colombian, my favourite coffee is Colombian coffee, of course. I was quite surprised to see that our coffee is barely mentioned there. Personally, I love Juan Valdez coffees, especially the single origin ones. I also love Oma coffees. Highly recommended, both of them.
One thing though, the name of my country is Colombia. Col-O-mbia. Not Columbia.
Hi Claudia,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article. In this post I was focused more on the type of coffee – Arabica (what it tastes like, its benefits, how it’s grown) and not so much the countries it’s grown in although I did mention some of them.
Thank you for commenting, and recommending your favorites! 🙂
@Claudia,
we would like to share all information of Colombian coffee in details.
thanks
Here’s a good starter for Colombian coffee.
Community Coffee (Baton Rouge LA) Dark French Roast had been my coffee since the late 1950’s. (communitycoffee.com). I cold drip process my grounds one lb at a time and store the extract in the fridge and use as needed for hot (microwave) and cold (over ice) beverages that very smooth strong and flavorful! Hard to beat. I buy off of their website when promos come around for 20% off and free shipping. Check it out!
Joe
Its a good article. However my only observation is that you have mussed out Rwanda as a major Arabica coffee grower and expoerter. May be you you can check and update this article.
Thanks.
Hi Abhik,
You’re right I did miss mentioning Rwanda. I added it to the article, thank you for pointing that out 🙂
Abhijeet..did you know..India is the 4th largest producer in the world? Produces both Arabica and Robusta. And it is shade grown..under a natural forest canopy of jungle trees. And it is hand picked, sun dried..
Sad to see that there is not much awareness about India too..
Hi,
Thank you, I don’t know how I missed that. I’ve added it to the list. 🙂
Your article is good but you did not mention some African countries which grow Arabica coffee such as Tanzania and Kenya. Also Uganda which grows Robusta coffee.
Hi
Your explanation of Arabica vs. Robusta was comprehensive and clear, which was what I was looking for. I have linked to it using your coffee beans image as a pin on my Coffee Pinboard.
The board is getting 1,500 impressions per day at present.
My contact details are at the top of the Pinboard if needed.
Best wishes
Hi William,
I’m happy you enjoyed the article, and thanks for including it on your Pinterest coffee board!