What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?

Arabica and Robusta are the two most consumed varieties and are the most prevalent on the market. But do you really know how to tell them apart? Do you know the characteristics that make them unique?

Even though these two species of shrubs are found on the same continent, Africa, they are not found simultaneously in the same territory.

Indeed, as Coffea Arabica is more fragile and delicate, it is more likely to be found on high plateaus (between 800 m and 2000 m) because it needs shade and a mild, humid climate to produce (with a lower yield) a fine and aromatic coffee with a low caffeine content (1.2% to 1.5%).

While Coffea Canephora or Robusta (being more "robust") adapts perfectly to harsher climatic conditions (it fears neither heat nor full sun), it will have a higher yield and be stronger in caffeine (2% to 3%).

Arabica is therefore found mainly in Ethiopia or South America, while Robusta is mainly grown in Côte d’Ivoire, the Congolese forest, Uganda, or Asia.

The most famous Arabica varieties are Bourbon coffee, grown in Brazil, the Middle East, India, and Indonesia; and Typica coffee, grown largely in Latin America. They are followed by Tico, Blue Mountain, Mundo Novo, Caturra, and San Ramon.

And the most famous Robusta varieties are Java-Ineac, Nana, Kouillou, and Congensis.

But with all this, how can you tell which coffee is the best?

As we have seen, there are real differences between Arabica and Robusta. However, to this day, we only know of one judge who can tell you which coffee is the best coffee for you… your palate.

So trust it and enjoy!

At Shoukâ

We chose to roast only pure Arabica because, for us, they are the ones that resemble us the most, on the one hand because of their place of production, which is at high altitude (like Chamonix), and on the other hand because of their extreme finesse and delicate taste. One of the first coffees we were keen to introduce to our customers is Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. It is a smooth and sensual coffee with fruity and floral notes.

Did you know?

Although its cultivation requires special climatic conditions, more attention and care, and is more expensive, Arabica represents 70% of global production compared to 30% for Robusta.
Speaking of Robusta, even though we know African crops better, it turns out that Vietnam is the world's largest exporter.