Robusta or Arabica? – Xuecam Coffee

Have you ever wondered which type of beans are harvested in Colombia ? Out of the approximately 150 species of coffee plants that exist, let’s focus on the two species of coffee plant which we use for drinks.

Robusta coffee comes from the Coffea canephora plant. It represents up to 40% of the of the world’s coffee production and it is produced mainly in tropical countries. It is known for having a strong, harsh taste and a high caffeine content. Robusta was first commercially exploited in the 1930s in the Congo, Africa. It is produced in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and some parts of Africa. It is used mainly for Espresso drinks or as a blend with the other coffea arabica. At XueCam we do not use or sell Robusta.

Arabica coffee comes from the coffea arabica plant 🌿. Arabica is the most widely produced specie of bean worldwide. It has a higher commercial value than Robusta. Arabica has a more pleasant taste and aroma: sweet and smooth which origins are Arabic. Originally found on Ethiopia and South Sudan It was used first as a trading product in the 3rd century in the port city of Mocha, in Yemen.

Arabica coffee is grown typically in the tropical forests 🌳 at altitudes between 1600 – 2800 m, preferably in temperatures ranging 18 to 25 degrees Celsius and with an optimum rainfall being 1200 -1800 mm annually.

Regions around the equator line are most suitable because of their environmental requirements and that is the reason why the major production areas of Arabica Coffee are the Brazilian Highlands, Central America, and Colombia.

Arabica is the only type of coffee harvested in Colombia due to the quality of its flavour, the lower and less bitter levels of caffeine. Since Colombia is the most eco-diverse country in the world, with 1one third of the Amazon basin within its borders and the northern ranges of the Andes ⛰️, there are coffee plantations all over the country. The main region is called Eje Cafetero (Coffee axis) which covers the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio. Along with the Coffee axis, there are more coffee plantations over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and departments of Tolima, Huila, Santander, Nariño, Boyaca, and Casanare.

Tell us which is your favourite coffee. Follow us for more facts here at XUECAM Coffee 🍒☕🫘