If you are a newcomer to the exciting coffee world and have recently started to taste new flavors to delight your palate, you will surely have realized that two types of coffees are the best sellers; Arabica and Robusta coffee, but, do you know the differences between both varieties? Do not miss the following article in which you will discover all the secrets of these two black golds.
Both varieties belong to the same genus Caffea from the Rubiaceae family. This family has more than 80 different species and a large number of varieties. Among the most common and widely cultivated varieties in the world are Coffea arabica and Caffea canephora (robusta).
The Arabica variety or Arabica coffee owes its name to the Arabian Peninsula. It comes from Ethiopia, being in Yemen, where it was consumed for the first time as we know it today. This variety has a low concentration of caffeine, which makes it a smooth beverage in which its aroma and fineness can be easily distinguished.
In the case of the canephor variety, it is estimated that its appearance dates back to the year 1800 in Central Africa. The caffeine level of this variety is high, which gives it a strong and bitter taste. It is a variety highly appreciated by espresso lovers.
More specifically, the main differences between the two varieties can be summarized as follows:
The production of both varieties accounts for 99% of the beans consumed, with arabica production exceeding that of robusta, accounting for 60% and 40% of production.
One of the most distinguishing features of both varieties is the way they are cultivated. The arabica variety is grown on a high plateau between 800 and 2000 meters, at a high altitude. To achieve a good production it is necessary to have a temperature between 15 and 25 ºC and it is necessary to have a lot of shade so that it retains its humidity. As a general rule, this variety flowers after a rainy season. The soil should be rich in minerals and essential elements.
The tree from which robusta originates can grow up to 10 meters tall and is able to withstand extreme climatic conditions and pests. It is grown in low-lying areas, specifically from sea level to 800 meters above sea level. The ideal temperature is between 24 and 30 ºC and it needs direct sunlight. The tree flowers irregularly and the fruit appears after ten or eleven months.
Within the Arabica coffee bean different types of coffee can be found:
In the case of robusta, hybrid varieties are difficult to identify. In general, they can be grouped into two varieties: Ereccta and Nganda which differ in the shape of the tree from which they originate.
When you decide to buy a good coffee in the market, you will find different varieties, as we have previously mentioned, but there is also another variable: coffee beans or ground coffee? Surely you have asked yourself what is better on more than one occasion, to opt for a variety already ground or to buy the beans to grind them at home. We will try to answer this question.
Coffee beans conserve their natural form and have not been ground before being sold. From an economic point of view, it is an intermediate option, since it is cheaper than coffee sold in capsules, but it is more expensive than ground coffee. The main disadvantage of buying the beans is that to enjoy the liquid gold we need to invest more time, it is necessary to grind them before putting them in the coffee pot.
On the other hand, ground coffee is the most appreciated by coffee consumers due to its practicality. It is unnecessary to grind before introducing the product into the coffee maker, thus saving time in the preparation process.
Choosing between one format or the other is not simple, both options are good as long as good quality varieties are chosen. When choosing between ground coffee or coffee beans, the first thing to keep in mind is the time we have available. If we do not have much time to enjoy a good cup of this unique elixir, it is best to opt for the ground format that does not require previous preparation. If you have more time, it is more convenient to opt for the bean format since in this way the beverage is prepared with the raw material in its original state and, as indicated by the coffee experts, a better coffee is obtained.
The flavor and quality of a good coffee are influenced by numerous factors such as the variety, the origin, the type of collection, how it is dried, and the type of roasting to which it is subjected. Roasting is the process by which the product passes from its natural state to a brown-colored product, the typical one that we see in the stores.
In general, this process is carried out through the use of roasters that increase the temperature while the product moves inside. From 180 degrees, intense aromas begin to emerge, acquiring a caramel color, and from 215 degrees a brown color is achieved. Subsequently, the beans are cooled abruptly to fix the aroma and prevent losing their natural oils.
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