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How are Arabica and Robusta coffee plants different?
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Coffea arabica and C. canephora (commonly known as Robusta) are the two primary species of coffee plants, differing significantly in cultivation requirements and physical characteristics.12
Cultivation and Hardiness
- Arabica: This species is delicate and vulnerable to pests. It requires a cool subtropical climate, high elevations (600β2,000 meters), significant moisture, and specific shade conditions.132
- Robusta: As the name implies, this variety is much hardier. It can thrive at lower altitudes, ranging from sea level to 600 meters, and is generally cheaper to produce.132
Physical and Sensory Differences
- Beans: Arabica beans are flatter and more elongated, whereas Robusta beans are rounder and more convex.12
- Flavor and Caffeine: Arabica is widely considered to produce a milder, more flavorful, and aromatic brew. In contrast, Robusta has roughly twice the caffeine content of Arabica and is frequently used in inexpensive commercial brands.12
- Maturation: The time required for fruit to mature from blooming differs, taking approximately seven months for Arabica and nine months for Robusta.4