There are over 100 different species of coffee plant. The two most common types are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica coffee is largely accepted as a better quality coffee than Robusta, 70 % of the world population drink 100% Arabica.
Arabica coffee is often smoother, has a higher sugar content making it sweeter in characteristic whilst containing nearly half the amount of caffeine. Arabica is also more difficult to plant and grow making it more expensive to purchase.
Due to its significantly higher levels of chlorogenic acid and antioxidants, Robusta is actually the healthier bean out of the two. With double the caffeine content robusta tends to taste stronger and more on the bitter side. Therefore it’s used more sparingly in blends to bolster the strength and flavour.
Arabica beans tend to be a little larger in size to Robusta and they’re more oval in shape, whereas Robusta is smaller and rounder. Another aspect of Robusta beans is the thicker golden crema and it pours better too.
