100% Arabica coffee - what exactly is this?

It's often stated on coffee packaging. Sometimes it isn't... Is this coffee Arabica or not? So, there are different types of coffee beans .

We're usually looking for Arabica coffee, but what exactly does that mean? And why is 100% Arabica coffee considered superior? In this blog post, we'll tell you more about 100% Arabica coffee, and also a little about Robusta coffee.

The difference between Arabica and Robusta coffee

What is Arabica coffee

Whether the coffee is 100% Arabica depends on the type of coffee plant. There are many different coffee plants in the world, but three are the most well-known.

At number one is Coffea arabica[ 1 ] (the scientific name for the plant that produces Arabica coffee), and at number two is Coffea canephora (better known as robusta coffee). At number three is Coffea liberica, but you'll almost never find that in the coffee packets on the market, so we'll leave that one aside for now.

100% Arabica coffee is known for its refined and complex flavor profile. The beans often have a soft, sweet base with a wide range of nuances, such as fruity, floral, or even chocolatey notes.

These subtle flavours are the result of the delicate composition of the beans and the conditions in which they are grown.

Arabica coffee naturally has less caffeine than Robusta, which can contribute to its milder flavor.

It also contains more sugars and lipids, which makes for a fuller and more balanced cup experience. Coffee lovers appreciate Arabica coffee for its distinct aromas and the versatility it offers for specialty coffee.

However, quality isn't solely determined by the type of bean. While Arabica is often considered superior, lesser-quality varieties can also exist.

The best Arabica coffee has a high cupping score (80+), which indicates careful cultivation and processing. Quality isn't just in the name "Arabica," but in the attention paid to the bean.

The clear difference between the two most famous coffee types relates to, among other things, taste, cultivation and price.

Why choose Arabica coffee?

Arabica coffee is the ideal choice for those who appreciate a rich flavor experience. It offers a refinement rarely found in other coffee beans.

Arabica coffee beans have a wide range of flavors, from citrus and berry to nutty and chocolatey notes, depending on the origin and roast.

Moreover, Arabica coffee is a favorite among specialty coffee lovers. The beans are often grown in mountainous regions, where the unique combination of altitude, climate, and soil type creates a coffee with character.

These conditions do make production more challenging, which also explains why Arabica coffee beans are often more expensive.

By choosing Arabica coffee, you often support farmers who take great care with the quality of their product.

Especially when you choose coffee with a quality mark or high cupping score, you know that you are making a conscious and tasty choice.

What to look for with 100% Arabica coffee

The "100% Arabica" label means there are no Robusta beans in the blend, but this doesn't automatically guarantee quality. Here are a few things to look for when choosing 100% Arabica coffee:

1. Origin: Arabica coffee often gets its unique flavors from the region in which it's grown. Beans from Ethiopia, for example, often have floral and fruity notes, while Colombian beans are known for their nutty and chocolatey flavors.
2. Cupping score: Coffee with a cupping score of 80 or higher is considered specialty coffee. This is a good indication of the care and attention given to cultivation, harvesting, and processing.
3. Freshness: Fresh coffee beans have a more intense flavor. Check the roasting date on the packaging and preferably buy coffee that has been roasted recently.
4. Flavor profile: Check the flavor profile on the packaging or ask for advice at a coffee shop. Choose a profile that suits your preferences, such as fruity, full-bodied, or balanced.
5. Packaging: Choose beans that are sealed airtight, preferably with a valve. This helps preserve freshness and aromas for longer.

By paying attention to these factors, you can find the best Arabica coffee that suits your taste and preferences.

The 100% Arabica coffee label

Coffee explicitly labeled 100% Arabica does not contain Robusta.

Major coffee brands often use this label to indicate that their coffee is of high quality, which is also what consumers have in mind, according to Hanna Neuschwander, Director of Communications and Strategy at World Coffee Research .

She explains that when Arabica dominated the world market there was no reason to label coffee this way.

But when Robusta started to gain popularity in the mid-20th century, the need arose to differentiate between the various species.

It sometimes happened that coffee brands added robusta to their blends to reduce costs (Robusta is a lot cheaper than Arabica).

So for burners that didn't do this, there was an important reason to differentiate themselves from the rest[ 2 ].

Did you know that all freshly roasted coffee beans from Zwarte Roes are 100% Arabica?

The taste and quality of 100% Arabica coffee explained

100% Arabica coffee is known for its refined and complex flavor profile. The beans often have a soft, sweet base with a wide range of nuances, such as fruity, floral, or even chocolatey notes.

These subtle flavours are the result of the delicate composition of the beans and the conditions in which they are grown.

Arabica coffee naturally has less caffeine than Robusta, which can contribute to its milder flavor.

It also contains more sugars and lipids, which makes for a fuller and more balanced cup experience. Coffee lovers appreciate Arabica coffee for its distinct aromas and the versatility it offers for specialty coffee.

Quality, however, isn't solely determined by the type of bean. While Arabica is often considered superior, lesser-quality varieties can also exist. The best Arabica coffee has a high cupping score (80+), which indicates careful cultivation and processing.

So quality is not just in the name "Arabica", but in the attention paid to the bean.

Arabica flavors: Ethiopia vs. Colombia

The flavor of Arabica coffee is strongly influenced by the region in which it is grown. Climate, altitude, soil conditions, and processing methods all play a role. Two of the most famous coffee-growing countries, Ethiopia and Colombia, produce Arabica coffee with very unique flavor profiles.

Ethiopia: Floral and fruity notes

Ethiopia is often considered the birthplace of coffee, and the Arabica coffee beans from this region have a very distinct and refined flavor profile.

• Taste: Ethiopian coffee is known for its bright, fruity flavors and floral aromas. You'll often find notes of citrus, berries (such as blueberries or blackberries), and sometimes even a hint of tea.
• Variety: Ethiopian coffee is very diverse, depending on the subregion. Coffee from Yirgacheffe, for example, is light and floral, with delicate jasmine notes, while coffee from Sidamo is often richer with more fruity and earthy flavors.
• Processing methods: Ethiopian coffee is often processed naturally (drying), which enhances the fruity notes. Sometimes a washed process is used, which results in a clean and clear flavor.

In short, Ethiopian coffee is ideal for lovers of light, complex and aromatic coffees with a fruity kick.

Colombia: Balanced and nutty flavors

Colombia is known worldwide as one of the largest producers of Arabica coffee and has a very consistent quality.

• Taste: Colombian coffee is known for its balanced flavor profile. It often has a medium body with notes of caramel, chocolate, and nuts. Sometimes, depending on the region, subtle hints of citrus or red fruit also emerge.
• Variety: Regions like Huila and Cauca produce beans with subtle fruity notes, while coffee from Antioquia and Santander tends to be richer and nuttier.
• Processing methods: Colombian coffee is almost always washed, which produces a pure flavor and a clear profile. This process enhances the coffee's balanced and accessible characteristics.

Colombian coffee is perfect for those who love an accessible and versatile cup of coffee with a full, creamy body.

Comparison between Ethiopia and Colombia

Feature	Ethiopia	Colombia
Taste	Light, fruity, floral, complex	Balanced, nutty, chocolatey
Body	Light to medium	Medium to full
Height	1,800-2,200 meters	1,200-2,000 meters
Processing	Natural (dry) and washed	Mainly crops
Ideal for	Filter coffee, light roast	Espresso, filter coffee

The difference in taste between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans

Okay, there's no accounting for taste, that's a given. But we can still say that Arabica coffee generally has MORE pronounced flavors.

Most of the fruity flavors in coffee come from the Arabica coffee plant. This is likely why 100% Arabica coffee is so popular. But very often, coffee isn't 100% Arabica, and is a blend with Robusta coffee.

Robusta coffee has a slightly bitter flavor. It's especially in espressos , or espresso-based drinks (such as cappuccinos, Americanos, and lattes), that a bitter, strong flavor is sought after.

Robusta coffee is used specifically for this purpose to give the coffee a bit more strength! When you mix the coffee varieties, a blend of different coffee beans is created.

Also read: Coffee Types - 17 Most Famous Coffee Types Explained

Finally, Robusta coffee contains more caffeine , which may further reinforce the idea of ​​"strong coffee." Quality Arabica coffee

100% Arabica shouldn't be interpreted as a quality mark. It's an indication of what's in the bag of coffee beans.

It simply means there's no Robusta in it. In practice, Arabica coffee is often superior in some respects to Robusta, but there are also some very poor and cheap Arabica coffees.

Understanding Specialty Coffee

To truly understand the quality and taste of 100% Arabica coffee, it's also good to learn more about specialty coffee.

Hanna also explains that if you want a good indication of coffee quality, it's best to look at the cupping score. Coffees scoring higher than 80 are specialty coffee . Most supermarket coffees are commodity quality and have scores between 65 and 80.

Also read: What is the difference between supermarket coffee and specialty coffee?

Arabica coffee cultivation and price

As the name suggests, the Robusta coffee plant is much more robust in nature than Arabica coffee.

The Arabica coffee plant is much more susceptible to diseases and has been threatened by many parasites in the past.

This is also why robusta contains more caffeine; it is the plant's natural defense mechanism against unwanted intruders.

Although not all coffee is 100% Arabica, the majority of the world's coffee harvest is Arabica. Arabica coffee is more difficult to harvest and cultivate.

Robusta coffee grows only low , Arabica coffee only high . In a mountainous region around the equator, also known as the coffee belt , the Arabica coffee plant thrives!

There is also shade here, the humidity is ideal and the temperature is not too high.

Quite a few requirements that significantly increase the average price compared to Robusta coffee!

Also read: Where does coffee come from?

Source: http://piogastrobistro.com/pratikbilgiler/arabica-versus-robusta/

In recent years, the prices of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans have risen dramatically, reaching record highs every year.

Why are coffee prices rising

The price of coffee has seen a significant increase recently, reaching a peak not seen since the 1970s (source: VRT )

Reasons for rising coffee prices:

1. Climate change: Extreme weather, such as droughts and irregular rainfall, has negatively impacted harvests in major coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. In Brazil, the largest producer of Arabica coffee, an unexpected frost damaged the harvest, contributing to price increases.

2. Low global coffee supplies: Due to reduced harvests and growing global demand for coffee, supplies have decreased, driving up prices.

3. Coffee market speculation: Investors and traders are buying large quantities of coffee in the hope of further price increases, putting further pressure on prices.

4. Rising production costs: Costs for packaging materials, transportation, and labor have risen, increasing the final price of coffee.

Impact on consumers:

These factors have led to higher prices for coffee beans and ultimately for coffee products in stores and restaurants. Consumers are noticing this in the form of higher prices for their daily cup of coffee (source: The Sun ).

Future expectations:

Although prices are currently high, it's uncertain how the situation will develop. Factors such as future harvests, climate change, and global demand will continue to influence coffee prices.

Frequently Asked Questions about 100% Arabica Coffee

1. What does 100% Arabica coffee mean?

100% Arabica means the coffee is made exclusively from Arabica beans, with no added Robusta. This guarantees a smoother and more complex flavor, but is no guarantee of quality. Quality depends on factors such as cultivation, processing, and roasting.

2. Is Arabica coffee better than Robusta?

This depends on your personal taste and preference. Arabica coffee is known for its refined flavor and aromatic notes, while Robusta is stronger and more bitter. Arabica is often considered superior for its complexity and smoothness, but Robusta offers advantages such as more caffeine and a lower price.

3. How do I recognize good 100% Arabica coffee?

Please note the following points:

• • Cupping score: Choose coffee with a cupping score of 80+ (specialty coffee).
  • Flavor Profile: Check the flavor profile on the packaging to see if it suits your preferences.
  • Freshness: Check the roasting date; the fresher the better.

4. What flavors can I expect from Arabica coffee?

The taste depends on the region where the coffee is grown:

• • Ethiopia: Fruity, floral, with notes of citrus and berries.
  • Colombia: Balanced, nutty, with hints of caramel and chocolate.
  • Brazil: Chocolatey, full, sometimes with a hint of hazelnut.

5. Why is Arabica coffee more expensive?

Arabica coffee plants are more susceptible to disease and require specific growing conditions, such as high altitudes and moderate temperatures. Cultivation and harvesting are more labor-intensive, which drives up the price.

6. Does Arabica coffee contain less caffeine than Robusta?

Yes, Arabica coffee contains about half the caffeine of Robusta. This contributes to the milder flavor of Arabica coffee.

7. What is the difference between specialty coffee and 100% Arabica?

Specialty coffee refers to beans with a cupping score of 80 or higher, which indicates excellent quality. 100% Arabica only means the beans do not contain Robusta; this says nothing about the quality.

8. Is 100% Arabica always the best choice?

Not necessarily. While Arabica is often considered more refined, blends with Robusta can be beneficial for a more robust flavor, especially in espressos. For high quality, it's best to pay attention to the cupping score and the flavor profile.

9. What is the best way to store my Arabica coffee?

Store coffee beans in an airtight, light-proof container in a cool place. Avoid the refrigerator, as moisture can damage the beans. Use the coffee within a few weeks of roasting for the best flavor.

10. Is Arabica coffee suitable for all brewing methods?

Yes, Arabica coffee is versatile and can be used for various brewing methods, such as filter coffee, espresso, and French press. The flavor profile is best developed with a light to medium roast for filter coffee and a medium to dark roast for espresso.

Conclusion

Arabica coffee is the dominant coffee variety on the market. Arabica coffee beans grow at very specific altitudes in regions with very special climates.

Arabica coffee beans have a more delicate taste than Robusta coffee beans and are therefore often considered superior.

The price of Arabica coffee beans is therefore higher than the price of Robusta coffee beans.

The 100% Arabica label you see on many packages should not be confused with the quality of the coffee.

Besides very good Arabica coffee, there's also bad Arabica coffee. These are often used in supermarket blends.

If you're really looking for a specific coffee or a specific quality, it's better to look at the cupping score and the flavor profile of the coffee.