After roasting, just about all coffees look the same. But did you know that there are in fact dozens of different varieties of coffee?
When it comes to your daily cup of coffee, however, there are really only two that are important: Arabica and Robusta. These are the two fundamental coffee varieties that are grown for drinking. Depending on the variety of coffee, the way it is processed and the way it is prepared, we can select the cup that best suits our palate. There are some differences between Robusta and Arabica.
Robusta
More Robusta coffees are grown in central and western Africa, and in parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Vietnam and Brazil. Though it accounts for only about 30 percent of the world market, the production of Robusta is on the rise. Robusta is easy to grow, since it is a highly resistant plant.
Arabica
Arabica coffee originates from the original coffee plants discovered in Ethiopia. Arabica is a delicate, mild and aromatic coffee, and accounts for about 70 percent of the global coffee production. Arabica plants require more care and attention than Robusta.
Comparison of Robusta and Arabica
In comparison with Robusta, Arabica has a milder taste, less tart and bitter, and the flavour is more reminiscent of nuts and fruit. On the other hand, Robusta is a coffee with a characteristic tartness, an earthy flavour and greater mouthfeel, and it also contains a higher caffeine content.
