Arabica vs Robusta

Although coffee is grown in many countries around the world, most of the coffee we drink comes from just two main species of coffee plants: Arabica and Robusta.

These two types of coffee differ in flavor, growing conditions, and how they are used in the coffee industry.

Arabica Coffee

Coffea arabica—commonly known as Arabica coffee, is the most widely recognized species in the specialty coffee world. It accounts for roughly 60–70% of global coffee production.

Arabica coffee is known for its complex and refined flavor. Depending on where it is grown, Arabica coffees can express a wide range of characteristics such as: Floral aromas, citrus or fruit notes, chocolate and caramel sweetness, bright acidity, and smooth body.

Because of this complexity, nearly all specialty-grade coffee is Arabica.

Arabica plants tend to grow best at higher elevations with cooler temperatures. However, they can be more delicate and are more susceptible to disease and pests, which makes them more difficult to cultivate.

Many famous coffee-growing regions, including those in Ethiopia, Colombia, and Panama primarily grow Arabica coffee.

Robusta Coffee

The second major species is Coffea canephora, commonly referred to as Robusta coffee.

Robusta plants are generally hardier and easier to grow than Arabica. They can tolerate warmer climates, lower elevations, and are more resistant to disease. Because of this resilience, Robusta is often less expensive to produce.

Robusta coffee tends to have a very different flavor profile compared to Arabica. It is often described as: Strong and bold, earthy or woody, more bitter, and has a heavier in body.

For these reasons, Robusta is commonly used in: instant coffee, commercial coffee blends, and some espresso blends where extra body are desired.

Major Robusta-producing countries include Vietnam, Brazil, and Uganda.

Why Specialty Coffee Focuses on Arabica

In the specialty coffee industry, the focus is typically on Arabica because of its greater potential for flavor complexity and quality. Arabica coffees grown at high elevations and carefully processed can produce incredibly nuanced cups with distinct regional characteristics.

While Robusta plays an important role in the global coffee market, specialty coffee roasters generally work with Arabica varieties in order to highlight the natural flavors of the coffee plant.

A World of Coffee Varieties

Within Arabica itself there are many different varieties, each with its own characteristics. Some well-known examples include Bourbon, Typica, and the famous Gesha variety.

These varieties, combined with differences in climate, soil, and processing, create the remarkable diversity of flavors found in specialty coffee today.

Understanding the difference between Arabica and Robusta is one of the first steps in learning how coffee works.