Is Arabica Coffee Worth All the Hype? >> Many coffee labels display 100% Arabica beans. Even billboards, TV commercials, and websites claim to produce this type of coffee, which leaves us wondering – Is this coffee worth all the hype? Over the years, the beans have created a reputation because of their pleasant acidity, great flavors, and smooth finish.

Coffee roasters travel around the world in search of the species, so they can provide us with the best roasts. Although there are top Arabica coffee brands on the market, should you buy from those that produce other species? To know whether you guessed the right answer, keep reading!

What is Arabica Coffee Bean?

Some people do not think there is a difference in coffee beans found in different parts of the world. They actually come from 2 major coffee plant species – Robusta and Arabica. Each species has different mutations or varieties. Some of Arabica’s varieties are: 

1. Pacamara
2. Java
3. Geisha
4. Catuail
5. Caturra
6. Bourbon
7. Typica 

Coffee roasters and drinkers love Arabica because it has many varieties. It also boasts of different flavors ranging from jasmine, milk chocolate, tart lemon, to crisp tangerine. The beans offer health benefits such as preventing type II diabetes and helping the mind to stay sharp even at old age.

Is There Any Difference Between Robusta and Arabica?

There are many differences between both species, but they all boil down to quality and flavor. 

• Flavor

Arabica contains many desirable organic components than Robusta. It has more sugar, acid, and lipids, which contributes to the sweet flavor of the bean. On the flip side, Robusta gives off a bitter flavor that may overwhelm even an old barista. This is because it lacks organic compounds that help to develop that delicious acidity and sweetness that we look forward to in a piping hot cuppa.

• Quality

Robusta has more resistance to climate change, pest and insect attacks, and other changes in the environment. As a result, farmers in Brazil, Vietnam, and East Africa find it easy and less risky to cultivate it. Additionally, the thriving nature of the species enables it to grow more cherries within a short time.

However, Robusta is priced at half the price of Arabica because of the undesirable flavor it produces. As a result, the advantages of growing Arabica far outweigh the risks.

• Caffeine Content

Robusta contains far more caffeine. But if you only drink coffee for the caffeine, then you are not enjoying the real deal. You can’t get more flavor simply because there is more caffeine. The level of caffeine in Robusta is the reason behind its bitterness. 

But does this imply that we shouldn’t trust brands that produce Robusta coffee? Well, not necessarily because there are some bands that produce specialty Robusta. However, they are rare and not readily available. If you eventually find one, it comes with a huge price tag. You can read this article to discover more differences between both species.

Tips for Buying an Arabica Coffee Brand

When choosing coffee, you need to be specific about what you want. Would you prefer a brand that will motivate you into jumping out of your bedroom every morning or one that has a hint of mediocre flavor? Who would say no to the first option? The following tips will guide you when shopping for a brand that will provide consistency in the taste of your drink:

• 100 Percent Arabica

Companies that produce specialty coffee do not waste any time informing their customers about the kind of beans they use. That is why you will quickly see 100% Arabica on the labels of blends and single-origin roasts. If you cannot see this boldly written on the label, then you should ask the barista or local roaster.

• The Quality of the Beans

What makes Arabica good is the way the growers tend to the plant from cultivation to harvesting until it gets into the hands of the roasters. If the plant is poorly grown, it becomes a low-grade product and will be sold to roasters at a cheap rate. As a result, the roasters cannot label such products as “specialty”. If the product is 100% Arabica but labeled as “premium” or “gourmet”, you should look for another brand.

• The Roast Date

The freshness of your beans plays a major role in the taste of your drink. Therefore, you should not just go for the available beans; ensure you check the roast date before buying. This will tell you how fresh and vibrant the drink will taste after brewing.

• Tasting Notes and Type of Roast

Ultimately, you want a brand that offers the tasting notes and type of roast you prefer. The roasts range from bold, smoky dark roasts to vibrant and delicate light roasts. Also, the tasting notes range from floral and citric to nutty and sweet. This is the peculiarity of Arabica coffee – you can explore from a variety of flavors.

You can discover which notes appeal to your taste buds by trying them out and recording the journey until you find one that satisfies you. After trying different brands, you will be able to tell the exact thing you enjoy when you consume 100% Arabica.

• Certification

In addition to selecting a good-grade bean, the roaster should have certifications from bodies such as: 

1. UTZ Certified
2. Rainforest Alliance 
3. Direct Trade
4. Certified Organic
5. USA Fair Trade

Although these certifications do not affect the bean quality, they aim at helping brands in the industry. And for you, the consumer, the certifying bodies ensure that what you are consuming is safe. You can visit https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/whats-in-a-coffee-label/ to read more about coffee certifications.

Final Notes

Despite the hype about Arabica, Robusta has its position in the industry because of its strong caffeine kick for people who love coffee that way. But if you want to enjoy a high-quality drink with natural flavors, Arabica will be your go-to. You can detect the difference in the taste by trying out both species.

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