All over the world, coffee is a highly popular beverage that is made from the seeds of the coffee plant, which are typically roasted and ground to make a drink that is rich in caffeine and other active compounds.
Arabica and Robusta are the two main species of coffee beans that are used to make coffee. Arabica beans are considered to be of higher quality and have a smoother, more complex flavor, while Robusta beans are generally stronger and more bitter.
Let's try to understand the major differences
- Arabica coffee is considered to be the higher-quality of the two species. It is native to the highlands of Ethiopia and was first cultivated in Yemen, on the Arabian Peninsula, in the 9th century. Arabica plants are generally taller and more delicate than Robusta plants, and produce a sweeter, more complex-tasting coffee with less bitterness and acidity.
- Robusta coffee, on the other hand, is a hardier plant that is native to central and western Africa. It was first discovered in the late 19th century and is now widely grown in countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Robusta coffee has a stronger, more bitter flavor than Arabica, and contains about twice as much caffeine. It is often used in blends and instant coffees, and is considered to be a lower-quality coffee than Arabica.
Another important difference between the two types of beans is their resistance to disease. Arabica coffee is more susceptible to diseases and pests, which can damage the plants and reduce the quality of the beans. Robusta coffee, on the other hand, is more resilient and can withstand a wider range of conditions. This makes it easier to grow and harvest, which is why it is often used as a cheaper alternative to Arabica coffee.
History of Robusta and Arabica
In terms of their history, Arabica coffee has been cultivated and enjoyed for much longer than Robusta. It was first traded by Arab merchants and was introduced to Europe and the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries, where it quickly became popular. Robusta coffee, on the other hand, was not widely cultivated until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was introduced to regions outside of Africa.
Overall, the main difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee is their flavor and quality. Arabica is generally considered to be the superior of the two, with a sweeter, more complex flavor, while Robusta has a stronger, more bitter taste and is often used in lower-quality blends and instant coffees.
All Upraising's mushroom coffees are made from high quality organic arabica form Huila in Columbia.
