3 Keys to Find the Coffee that Suits You

Why does coffee taste sour? Sometimes it tastes bitter? What is the difference? Is the recommended coffee really good? Let professional coffee reviewers teach you how to choose the right coffee for you based on the types of coffee!
The difference between Arabica and Robusta
In fact, whether it is Arabica coffee beans or Robusta coffee beans, they all belong to the same flower family called Rubiaceae. There are at least 13,000 different varieties under this family. Fortunately, we have found two varieties of Arabica and Robusta under the genus Coffea, named Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora respectively; they are the well-known Arabica beans and Robusta beans respectively; having said that, the performance difference between the two is far apart, which also created two different groups of taste lovers.

Arabica is a type of coffee, not a specific variety.
There are many varieties of Arabica beans, and the most original pure Arabica coffee beans are no longer traceable. The two more common and closest to the original species are named Typica and Bourbon. In addition, there are dozens of different varieties of hybrids. We will write an article to introduce the various Arabica coffees in detail later, so this article will mainly discuss the differences between the two major coffees.

Same variety, different characteristics
As a crop, coffee beans will vary depending on the soil, weather, rainfall and various environmental factors. Therefore, even the same variety grown in different places will have very large differences. Some varieties are even named after the flavor that can only be obtained in a specific area. Therefore, what we are discussing here is a popular average, but also a relatively obvious difference. The specific flavor still needs to be experienced personally to get the most direct and accurate evaluation.
Differences in growing conditions
Arabica Bean Conditions
Altitude 800-2200m
Colder climate conditions
Harvest in about 7-9 months
Poor resistance to external diseases
Robusta Bean Conditions
Altitude 0-900m
More flexible climate conditions
Harvest around 9-11 months
Better resistance to external diseases
World production differences
According to the International Coffee Organisation, 70% of coffee production comes from Arabica beans, while Robusta beans only account for 30% or even less. Robusta, which should be more mass-produced according to growing conditions, accounts for a relatively low proportion. The main reason is market orientation. In terms of taste and texture, Arabica is still more popular in the market and has a higher economic value.
The main difference in taste
Arabica beans characteristics
Caffeine is low, averaging about 0.8%-1.5%
The flavor is generally rated high
Silky taste
Higher sweetness
Less coffee oil
Strong fruity aroma
Robusta bean characteristics
Caffeine content is higher, averaging about 1.5%-3.5%
Stronger flavor
More bitter
Better quality coffee oil
With wood texture
With the characteristics of self-sterility
The relationship between caffeine and chlorogenic acid
Ultimately, the coffee flavor itself comes mainly from chlorogenic acid, a compound in coffee beans. Its natural antioxidant effect can effectively help the coffee fruit resist pests and diseases. However, if there is too much, it will bring unnecessary flavors to the taste. This is the main reason why Robusta is easier to grow and Arabica is more popular with the public.
3 key points to find the coffee beans that suit you
After having a certain understanding of the difference between these two types of coffee, how do we choose the coffee that suits us? After consulting the professional baristas of France's Roca Coffee and the American International Coffee Quality Appraiser (Q Grader) for training, guidance and evaluation, we can analyze our preferences for coffee based on the following three simple methods.

Coffee bean hulling machine is a necessory processure before you Roasting Coffee.

Like sour or dislike sour
Acidity is a characteristic of coffee beans. Before being processed, the raw coffee beans are bright red fruits with sour taste (also called cherry). The acidity of the coffee beans can be determined by the roasting technology and brewing method.

Do you prefer a stronger fruity or roasted flavor?
Different degrees of roasting will result in different tastes. The lighter the roast, the more flavor of the coffee fruit itself will be retained. Conversely, the roasted flavor will dominate the overall experience of the coffee.

Focus on coffee function or coffee level
Many people drink a cup of coffee to refresh their minds, while others want to relax and enjoy the aroma of coffee during afternoon tea but don’t want to toss and turn at night. Therefore, different occasions have different needs. If you find your needs, you can find the coffee that suits you.