Arabica and robusta are the first varieties that come to mind when it comes to differentiating between coffee types. However, it is essential to know how to differentiate between them, as the success of your business depends on it. Arabica coffee Arabica coffee is one of the best-selling coffees in the world. Like all coffee beans, it comes from the coffee tree, a plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family and has around 90 different species. It is a type of coffee that is highly sensitive to heat and humidity, and needs a lot of attention when it comes to cultivation. However, when the coffee production process is done well, it produces coffee beans of supreme quality. This type of coffee is also characterised by its aromas and flavours. It is of a mild type with light fruity hints, which provide a slight acidity. All these factors logically depend on other processes involved in the preparation of the coffee, such as the amount of water. Robusta coffee Another widely cultivated and very successful coffee is known as robusta. This has its origins in the Republic of Congo and has a more resistant seed than the previous one. In this case, the coffee is rather bitter and is combined with hints of wood and nuts. It is an ideal coffee for espressos. This type of coffee has between 1.6 and 2.8% caffeine, which is higher than the arabica variety This coffee stands out for being grown at lower altitudes and can be found in almost all the forests of the African tropical zone. Main differences between arabica and robusta coffee In addition to the above-mentioned factors, the two types of coffee differ in other respects. Firstly, arabica coffee accounts for 56% of world production, while robusta coffee accounts for 43%. In addition, robusta coffee is cheaper and is the most widely used in the coffee industry. Although it is a variety that does not have the same flavours and nuances as arabica coffee, it manages to reduce production costs. How to differentiate between arabica and robusta coffees Both types of coffee have different nuances that help us to differentiate them easily, as we will see below: Before roasting, Arabica coffee beans have a greenish hue. On the other hand, Arabica coffee beans are rather pale. Another difference can be found in their shape. While arabica beans are flat and elongated, robusta beans are more convex. Broadly speaking, arabica beans are larger than robusta beans. If we cannot tell them apart by their shape or colour, we can also tell them apart by their taste. Arabica coffee: they have fruity flavours, with a sweet taste with an acidic touch and sometimes reminiscent of caramel or chocolate. Robusta coffee: the flavours tend to be much more bitter, with a taste of nuts and wood, even reminding us of the taste of earth and potatoes.

While early studies on coffee suggested that it could lead to health problems, recent research provides strong evidence that coffee consumption actually has a number of health benefits. We tell you all about it in the following article. Shall we get started? Coffee properties Coffee is rich in polyphenols, plant compounds that may have a protective antioxidant effect. Fresh organic coffee (beans or ground) is better for its higher antioxidant content, and light or medium roast blends are preferable to dark ones. In the following article we will look at the main health benefits of coffee, expanding on what we have already seen in previous articles on the nutritional value of coffee. Increases energy and performance Coffee can help some people maintain their alertness and energy levels due to its caffeine content. When coffee is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it ‘fires up’ certain neurons that can improve memory, mood, energy and cognitive function, if consumed in moderation. Other reports suggest that drinking coffee before exercise can reduce exertion rates and potentially improve athletic performance. High antioxidant qualities The human body is engaged in a constant struggle to resist toxic substances absorbed through food and drink, environmental pollution, medicines and other pathways. Coffee has valuable antioxidant properties. This means that when you drink that cup of coffee, as well as boosting energy, it strengthens and helps to cleanse those toxins from the body. Drinking coffee therefore reduces the risk of infections developing and other diseases taking hold. Reducing the risk of developing diabetes The increase in the number of diabetics across the western world is a major health concern. There is hope that the medicinal properties of coffee may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, there appears to be a clear correlation between the amount of coffee drunk and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Coffee can help regulate our emotions This we can totally believe. Coffee may reduce the risk of depression, and the data supporting this possible link is strong: several studies have previously illustrated a reduced risk of depression for regular coffee drinkers. Why is coffee good for your health? Coffee is an intricate mixture of more than a thousand chemicals. What defines a cup is the type of coffee bean used, how it is roasted, the amount of grind and how it is prepared. The human response to coffee or caffeine can also vary substantially from one individual to another. Low to moderate doses of caffeine can lead to increased alertness, energy and ability to concentrate. Are you up for it?

Traceability has always been important in the specialty coffee sector, but as ethical consumption grows, we are seeing more roasters looking for the organic credentials of our beans. But what exactly makes coffee organic or not, and does it make for a better cup? We tell you everything you need to know. What does “organic coffee” mean? In short, organic coffee is elaborated and produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The farm’s fertilizer must be 100% organic; it can be chicken manure, coffee pulp, bocachi or compost in general. If fertilizers such as synthetic nitrogen, phosphate or potash are found, the coffee cannot be classified as organic. And then there is the time element. All organic farming requires at least three years of cultivation using only natural fertilizers and pesticides, so that no chemicals come into contact with the plants. There must be a sustainable crop rotation plan to avoid erosion, soil nutrient depletion and to naturally control pests. Finally, the coffee must also have been processed and packaged without the intervention of any chemical products. Organic coffee beans: The conscious choice For the conscious consumer, there are three compelling reasons to choose to drink organic coffee and buy organic coffee beans: Supporting coffee farmers Almost all organic coffee plantations are also Fair Trade compliant. Fair Trade coffee supports the people who grow the coffee beans by ensuring they are paid a fair price for their products, investing in their processes and communities, and monitoring standards for good working conditions. If you want to know more, we have written an article about Fair Trade coffee beans. Also related to workers’ conditions: organic coffee growing means no synthetic pesticides, which means that plantation workers do not breathe in these harmful chemicals. Supporting the planet Organic coffee cultivation methods are sustainable and help protect the environment. Organic coffee is grown in the shade. However, in terms of coffee production, “sun-grown” coffee produces the highest yields and therefore offers the greatest financial rewards to those involved in the chain. World demand for coffee is so high that coffee growers have been encouraged to adopt this method. The consequence of creating large sun-grown plantations is deforestation. Forests stabilize ecosystems. They do so by “storing water, circulating soil nutrients, reducing temperature, balancing microclimates, purifying the air, harboring countless plant and animal species and enriching biodiversity”. Buying certified organic coffee beans means that the plantation where the beans are produced uses shade-grown methods, which reduces deforestation caused by the coffee industry.In addition, organic farming methods contribute to the conservation of soil and water resources in places where drought is common. Organic coffee beans are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. In regular (i.e. non-organic) coffee production, these products are used in the cultivation process. This can mean that, when there is heavy rainfall, the chemicals reach rivers and streams and can redistribute, causing contamination in the surrounding areas. Busi coffee 100% organic At Arabo, we are 100% committed to quality and flavor, without renouncing the values of sustainability, solidarity and fair trade, which is why we offer 100% organic KOA coffee. It is clear to us that any gesture, no matter how small, can mean a great contribution to the planet and to humanity.