Coffee Tasting 101: Arabica Coffee vs. Robusta Coffee

Many insist on thinking about one type of coffee being superior to another. Still, in pure honesty, it all depends on the drinker's personal taste. First, however, let us learn a little about both types of coffee and decide which one is better according to your taste.

Arabica vs. Robusta: Which Coffee Is Better?

Regarding quality, Arabica coffee is often the most valued coffee by aficionados because its harvesting process is more complex. That fact alone gives Arabica coffee a sense of "delicacy."

It does not mean that Robusta cannot be considered quality coffee too. Instead, it means that good Arabica coffee has more labor behind its production process than good Robusta coffee.

For instance, Arabica is less resistant to plagues than Robusta. So, Arabica coffee producers often receive compliments for an alleged "quality over quantity" approach.

Arabica vs. Robusta: Harvesting Altitude

Another essential distinction between Arabica and Robusta coffee is the altitude at which they are often harvested.

Arabica coffee is grown at higher altitudes – 1,800 to 6,300' feet above sea level. The higher, the better.

On the other hand, Robusta coffee can be grown at lower elevations (600 to 2,400'.)

Beyond all that; we also can see the difference altitude makes when enjoying our coffee:

This factor heavily influences the coffee body, taste, and aroma of the resulting cup, as well as the appearance of the coffee bean.

Arabica vs. Robusta: Caffeine Levels

Arabica coffee often has less than half the caffeine content as Robusta coffee. Deciding which end of the spectrum indicates more quality depends entirely on everyone's caffeine tolerance.

Arabica vs. Robusta: Tasting Experience

Robusta coffee produces strong, highly caffeinated espressos to wake you up in a way Arabica coffee probably wouldn't. Whereas the same Robusta coffee could likely never compete with the delicious aroma and varying tasting notes of a good Arabica cup.

  • A good Robusta coffee cup will be darker, bitter, and stronger. Ideal to wake you up to power through the day.
  • Great Arabica coffee has an unmissable aroma and delicious texture. Perfect for taking a break to enjoy the moment.

Arabica vs. Robusta: Conclusions

Coffee represents different things for every person who drinks it. However, we could split coffee lovers into two groups: Caffeine Addicts and Café Aficionados.

For most Caffeine Addicts, Robusta coffee is perfect. Whereas, Café Aficionados often lean toward the richness associated with Arabica coffee.

Which type of coffee lover are you?