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Arabica vs Robusta: what are the differences?

Did you know that there are more than 60 different types of coffee beans? Only two of these are suitable for consumption: Arabic beans and Robust beans. Both types of beans have unique characteristics. We like to explain what the exact characteristics are and how they differ from each other.

Arabica vs. Robusta

The taste of Arabica beans vs. Robusta beansThe taste of Arabica beans is sweet and soft, with an aroma of sugar and fruit. Robust beans have a firm, round taste. This coffee bean variety is very bitter. The taste of both types of coffee beans depends strongly on the country of origin.
The origin of Arabica beans vs. Robusta beansBoth coffee plants need tropical temperatures. The Arabica coffee plant grows especially in higher regions around the equator (including Central and South America). Robusta beans grow in lower regions around the equator (including South-East Asia). Arabica coffee is the most drunk coffee worldwide: 70 percent of the world coffee production is made from this coffee bean.

"Because Arabica beans grow at much higher levels, the coffee beans contain much less caffeine."

Take a look at the coffee beans in our range

The level of cafeine in both types of beans

Robusta coffee contains a fairly high level of caffeine. This is because the beans protect themselves against animals and diseases using caffeine. Because the Arabica beans grow at a much higher altitude, they contain a lot less caffeine.In general, high-quality coffee bars use either Arabica coffee beans or a blend of Arabica and Robusta. For example, you can make a soft cappuccino or spicy espresso. Read more about making the most delicious coffee types.

The tastiest coffee blends

Both types are suitable for processing in blends. Robusta coffee is a type you will not often find in pure origin. The taste is too bitter for this. The tastiest blends are made from a combination of Arabica and Robusta. In such a blend, Robusta beans provide the fat content for a nice crema layer and that extra caffeine. The relationship between the two varies again and again: the different blends distinguish themselves from each other. View our many types of coffee blends here.

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