Robusta vs. Arabica vs. Specialty Coffee: What's the Difference?
Anyone who delves into coffee will soon come across the two most well-known types of beans: Robusta and Arabica. But what makes these beans so different? And where does specialty coffee fit into this picture? Time to discover the differences in quality, harvesting process and price!
Robusta: strong, powerful and affordable
Robusta beans are known for their high caffeine content and strong, bitter taste. These beans grow at lower altitudes (200-800 meters) and are more resistant to diseases and fungi. This results in a higher yield per plant and less labor-intensive cultivation, making Robusta cheaper.
✔ Taste: Earthy, bitter, nutty, less complex.
✔ Caffeine content: High (up to twice as much as Arabica).
✔ Price: Lower, due to simple cultivation and high yield.
✔ Usage: Often in blends and instant coffee for extra body and crema.
Arabica: fine, complex and popular
Arabica beans are a favorite among coffee lovers. They grow at higher altitudes (600-2000 meters), which results in slower ripening and more complex flavor development. Arabica plants are more susceptible to diseases and require careful cultivation and hand harvesting, which increases the price.
✔ Taste: Sweet, fruity, floral, with a soft acidity.
✔ Caffeine content: Lower than Robusta.
✔ Price: Higher, due to labor-intensive cultivation and lower yield.
✔ Usage: Single origins and specialty blends.
Specialty Coffee: The World's Top 5%
Specialty Coffee is not a separate type, but a quality class. These are beans that receive a score of 80+ points according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This means that they are hand-picked, carefully processed and have exceptional flavors.
✔ Taste: Extremely refined, with complex notes of fruit, chocolate and spices.
✔ Caffeine content: Same as Arabica often, but the taste makes the difference.
✔ Price: High, due to strict quality controls and limited availability.
✔ Usage: In premium coffee shops and at coffee lovers' homes.
How does this affect the sales price?
Because Robusta is easier to grow and has a higher yield, this coffee is much cheaper to both buy and sell. Arabica is more expensive due to the more intensive cultivation process, and specialty coffee is the most exclusive option due to the extra quality controls and sustainability.
In a shop or café you pay less for a Robusta blend and more for a 100% Arabica coffee. For specialty coffee the price is even higher, but you get a unique, refined taste experience in return!
