Jakarta –
In general, coffee is divided into two types, namely Arabica and Robusta. What is the difference between these two types of coffee?
Not only is coffee delicious, it also contains a multitude of benefits, so it’s not surprising that many people drink coffee regularly. But don’t just drink coffee, you must also know the type and character of the coffee you are drinking. At least know whether it is Arabica or Robusta because they both have different tastes.
Reporting from various sources, here are 5 differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee.
1. Planting location
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Arabica coffee plants grow in areas with an altitude of 700-1700 meters above sea level. This area is considered a highland with cool temperatures between 16-20 degrees Celsius.
If Arabica coffee is planted on land less than 700 meters above sea level, the plant will be more susceptible to leaf rust or Hemileia Vastatrix (HV). This causes plants not to grow optimally.
Meanwhile, Robusta coffee plants can grow in lowland areas, namely below 700 meters above sea level. Even though there are quite a lot of coffee beans produced, Robusta coffee plants are more susceptible to insect attack. This type of robusta coffee produces fruit at warmer air temperatures.
Also read: Arabica or Robusta coffee, which is more suitable for morning coffee?
2. Seed shape
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The shape of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans is also different. Arabica coffee has a slightly elongated and slightly flat bean shape. Arabica beans also have a rather large size.
This is different from Robusta coffee beans, which are slightly rounded in shape and look dense. The size is smaller than Arabica coffee beans. Likewise, the texture is rougher than fine Arabica coffee beans.
The different shape and structure of the beans between Arabica and Robusta means these two types of coffee have different roasting techniques.
3. Taste and aroma of coffee
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Robusta coffee is known to have a strong aroma and taste and tends to be rough. However, Robusta coffee has a neutral taste and is less varied.
Before roasting, Robusta coffee beans have a nutty aroma, but when they are roasted the aroma is not very pleasant, as is the case when they are brewed. But regarding taste, Robusta coffee is suitable for strong coffee lovers.
Different from Arabica coffee. This coffee has a very varied aroma and taste. When not roasted, Arabica coffee beans give off a fresh aroma like blueberries.
When roasted, Arabica coffee emits a fragrant aroma ranging from flowers, fruit to nuts. When you taste Arabica coffee, it has a taste that is no less rich. The higher sugar content in Arabica coffee makes this coffee taste sweet and sour.
This varied aroma and taste makes Arabica coffee recommended to be enjoyed original without added sugar. The taste and aroma of Arabica coffee is also influenced by the surrounding plants, for example, if there are spice plants around the coffee plantation, the coffee will also produce a tinge of spice.
4. Caffeine levels
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Arabica coffee has a caffeine content in the range of 0.9-1.4 percent. This relatively low amount of caffeine makes Arabica coffee taste soft and not strong when brewed.
Arabica coffee is also said to be comfortable on the stomach, so for those who have stomach problems, try choosing Arabica coffee.
Meanwhile, Robusta coffee contains quite high caffeine. Caffeine in robusta coffee is in the range of 1.8-4 percent. This kick of caffeine makes robusta coffee have a taste that tends to be bitter.
Most robusta coffee lovers are older people. This type of Robusta coffee is also widely used in creative dishes such as coffee with milk or others.
Also read: Robusta coffee from Sumatra is proven to prevent dental plaque
5. Price
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These two types of coffee also have different price ranges. Robusta coffee is usually priced at a relatively stable price and is cheaper than Arabica coffee.
The reason is because robusta coffee tends to have the same taste. Robusta coffee is mostly sold in ready-to-brew powder form. The price currently ranges from IDR 23 thousand to IDR 25 thousand per 100 grams.
This is different from Arabica, which has more varied taste characteristics. The more unique the flavor of Arabica coffee, the more expensive the price, especially if availability is limited.
Arabica coffee is much sought after by coffee lovers. Usually this coffee is sold in bean form, so when it is brewed the aroma and taste are still fresh. The price of a 100 gr package of Arabica coffee varies from IDR 31 thousand to IDR 39 thousand depending on the region of origin.
(dvs/odi)