Frequently Asked Questions

9.Can you explain the difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans?

All coffee beans come from plants in the genus Coffea. Although there are thousands of species of plants within this genus, with tremendous variance in size and shape, only two are of commercial importance: Coffea Arabica, and Coffea canephora, the latter more commonly called Robusta, after a prime variety. Arabica is genetically distinct in that it has four sets of chromosomes whereas Robusta has two.

The taste of Arabica beans differ between varieties and growing regions – the same variety grown in different parts of the world will taste different. These taste notes can be as varied as berries, earthy, citrus or chocolate. Normally, a Robusta bean will be harsher and have more caffeine. Accordingly, specialty coffees are almost exclusively made from Arabica beans.

In subtropical conditions, Arabica beans best thrive at lower altitudes, from as low as 1000 feet in the Kona region of Hawaii, to about 4000 feet in regions of Mexico and a few other locations. Closer to the equator, coffee tends to thrive at higher altitudes, from 3500 feet up to 9000 feet and the usual ceiling is closer to 6000 feet. Both frost and high heat can damage or kill the plants. Too much or too little rain can adversely affect fruit production. The soil must be moist but well-drained. Coffee plants naturally do well in well-lit but forest-shaded regions. Arabica beans are not very resistant to insects or fungus, and there have been a few major scares where significant acreage was threatened by leaf rust or other pests. Robusta beans do well at lower altitudes, are more disease resistant, and yield more fruit. As a result, the overall cost per pound is lower than Arabica.

As with most foods, although there are some objective factors, taste is ultimately subjective. While very few people will find Vietnamese Robusta enjoyable, not everyone will agree that Jamaican Blue Mountain is the epitome of flavor. As a broad rule, all-Arabica blends will considerably taste better, but a superior Robusta may fare better than a poor quality Arabica.