Arabica Beans vs. Robusta Beans
The main commercial coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica Beans
Arabica plants are more sensitive to temperature and handling, and also more vulnerable to pests.
- Seventy percent of all coffee beans grown are Arabica, which grows best at higher elevations in the tropical or sub-tropical climates of Matagalpa.
- Arabica beans (before roasting) are said to smell of blueberries, giving the roasted beans a sweet smell.
- Arabica beans are generally more flavorful than Robusta, though not all premium gourmet coffee beans are Arabica.
Robusta Beans
Robusta are hardier plants, tolerating lower elevations and less favorable climate and soil conditions. Robust are grown throughout Nicaragua.
- Robusta beans are used for most everyday and instant coffees, and have about twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans.
- Robusta beans (before roasting) are said to conjure smells of oats or peanuts, with a grainy and nutty fragrance.
- Robusta beans may smell burnt even if roasted properly.
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