Arabica v. Robusta Wholesale Coffee Beans

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Walking down the coffee aisle at your local grocery market, you may have seen labels such as “Made with Arabica beans, Made with 100% pure Arabica beans. But, what exactly does that mean? Arabica beans refer to one out of more than 100 coffee species that are produced in wholesale coffee and for individual homes. There are two largely grown and distributed coffee types, Arabica and Robusta (coffee Canephora) beans. Most of the coffee industry believes that Arabica beans are far more superior than Robusta, but why?

More about Arabica and Robusta Beans

– Location of cultivation

Robusta beans are known for being very durable and can grow almost anywhere in lower altitude settings. While this is a positive, there are some problems that arise with it. Big coffee companies will tear down acres of rain forest to cultivate wholesale coffee beans. Also, because they are grown at low altitudes they are more prone for pesticides.

Arabica beans grow largely in higher altitude environments. The conditions of the bean are also quite delicate. The areas in which the bean can flourish are limited requiring a natural habitat to thrive in. Growing at higher altitudes the cause for concern of pesticides are very limited.

Comparison

Like many things, not everything is perfect. We are not denouncing Robusta beans there are some good batches if cared for correctly. There are also some batches of Robusta beans that don’t meet up to their standard. Though as a whole, Robusta beans have come out on top nearly every time.

– Arabica beans contain 60% more lipids than Robusta beans and nearly twice as much sugar.

Lipids are a chemical compound in which natural oils and vitamins are stored. Lipids benefit coffee beans for the simple reason that it adds more depth to the bean. The sugar compounds would explain why so many individuals describe Arabica beans to give off a sweet smell and taste. Bakeries and wholesale coffee buyers prefer a more rich deep flavor of coffee.

– Robusta beans contain about 2.47% caffeine and Arabica beans only 1.5%

There are many coffee drinkers that mainly drink their daily cup because of the caffeine. Seeing these numbers may be enough to switch someone over to Robusta beans. But, more is not always better. Caffeine has been known to give off a more bitter taste when consumed in high doses. Everyone needs a bit of caffeine occasionally. Speaking for me personally, I’d rather have something that tastes good than something that tastes bitter.

Aside from the huge caffeine difference, there is no question as to why consumers and wholesale coffee buyers choose Arabica beans over Robusta. Now, when you are going down the coffee aisle you’ll be able to choose your coffee a little bit better.

Tip: Just because labels say: “Made with Arabica Beans” don’t always mean 100% Arabica beans. Coffee companies like to trick consumers by mixing Arabica beans and Robusta beans so they can throw the name on the box.

Happy Drinking!

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