Different Coffee Beans Make a Big Difference
Arabica vs. Robusta
Coffee enthusiasts will find themselves caught in the longstanding battle between Arabica beans and Robusta beans at some point in their coffee-drinking life. These two species of coffee trees, Arabica and Robusta, produce the majority of the world's coffee. What is the difference between these two species, and which variety of coffee bean is better? While the latter question depends on preference, the differences between them are pronounced enough to establish distinct fan bases.
Difference in Production
In areas high up in the mountains with subtropical climates, the Arabica species of trees grow and produce a selective amount of cherries for picking. The hand-picked cherries contain at most two seeds that are dried and roasted into coffee beans through a complex process. A lot of attention is needed for caring for Arabica, which requires rich soil, moisture and the right balance of sun and shade. Arabica is delicate and vulnerable to pests and cold weather.
Robusta, on the other hand, is the warrior plant. The coffee beans produced from Robusta are hardier and can grow at lower altitudes. Robusta can withstand hard handling, cold weather, pests and harsh climates. Robusta coffee is less expensive to produce, easier to maintain and produces more coffee per tree.
Difference in Taste
One sip of pure Arabica coffee and you will experience the essence of superior grade coffee. Although Arabica contains half the caffeine of Robusta, it is more aromatic and flavorful. The range of flavors is quite extensive yet delectable for the coffee lover. Each variety of Arabica coffee is pleasurable for most drinkers; some roasts are sweet and subtle while others are strong and sharp.
Known for its beefiness and hardiness, Robusta coffee ranges in taste from neutral flavors to very bitter and robust ones. The range is not as extensive as Arabica, but the flavors are earthier. While Robusta coffee can be found in high quality varieties, most of this type is a low-cost and highly accessible variety. Generally, Robusta beans are blended with other types of coffee to produce different flavors.
Although Arabica is the gourmet version of coffee, many people prefer Robusta for its strength and the crema it produces in espressos. There are exotic flavors of each type of coffee bean, but the characteristics are different and the tastes attract different palettes. The process of blending and roasting each type of bean accounts for the variations in flavor.
Majority of the coffee beans grown in the world are of the Arabica species. The remainder of the world's coffee is Robusta along with other types. These include Bengal coffee (Coffea benghalensis), Congo coffee (Coffea congensis), Liberian coffee (Coffea liberica, Coffea excelsia), and Sierra Leonian coffee (Coffea stenophylla).
Your local coffee shop will generally provide Robusta coffee as it is less expensive than Arabica. Supermarkets carry mostly Robusta coffee in jars and instant coffee is primarily Robusta as well. Most corporate coffee shops will provide a range of coffees, while specialty stores will offer Arabica. The avid coffee drinker must be willing to pay more dollars to enjoy pure Arabica coffee and high quality blends as it is pricier to consume due to its production.
The verdict is that coffee drinking is a personal experience. The different types of coffee beans account for different flavors that appeal to certain people. Depending on your budget and taste buds, your coffee can be a gourmet, sweet flavored Arabica or a strong shot of affordable Robusta espresso.
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Tags: arabica beans, Cappuccino, Coffee, Coffee Beans, Espresso, Gourmet Coffee, robusta beans
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