Arabica and Robusta mixture

About Arabica and Robusta Blends

The perfect cup of coffee is all about personal taste. Some people like their coffee light and subtle, while others prefer it bold or pleasantly acidic. What makes each cuppa special though?.. The secret lies in the two main coffee bean varieties: arabica and robusta. Let’s dive into the world of arabica and robusta blends then, and break down the differences between these two coffee giants!

Arabica and Robusta: What’s the Difference?

There are two main coffee bean varieties: they’re called robusta and arabica. Making up over 60% of the global coffee market, arabica is generally thought to be of a higher quality. It’s known for being delicate, boasting some pleasant acidity, and having a wide range of flavours: from fruity all the way to chocolatey. Compared to robusta, arabica is generally milder, less bitter, and has less caffeine. Robusta beans, on the other hand, have a stronger, bitter taste, which is often described as earthy, nutty, or chocolatey. Although the robusta bush produces more berries per year, it only accounts for about 30% of the coffee market. That’s because pure robusta can be a bit too bitter on its own, and its flavours aren’t as complex. Designed to get the best of both worlds, there are arabica and robusta blends: they create the perfect balance of smoothness, strength, acidity, and bitterness in every cup.

Coffee experts love to mix and match in an effort to find the perfect combo. When it comes to blending arabica and robusta, there are three main ratios out there though. You’ve got 70% arabica and 30% robusta, which results in a strong espresso with less acidity. Then there’s the classic ratio of 80% arabica and 20% robusta, perfect for a rich, aromatic brew. Finally, there’s 90% arabica and 10% robusta for a smooth coffee that’s easy on the palate.

Arabica and Robusta Blends for Different Coffee Formats

Some coffee drinkers swear by whole beans, others prefer pre-ground coffee, and then there are those who love coffee pods. Arabica and robusta are the dynamic duo that can be found in each of these coffee formats. Whatever your favourite brewing style, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect blend, you’re in luck! Here at Coffee Friend, we’ve got a huge selection of coffees: from popular brands to niche manufacturers, as well as our very own lines of coffees.

Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans

Using whole coffee beans allows you to decide how coarse or fine the grind will be. Moreover, by experimenting with different brewing methods, you can discover new flavours in your coffee. If you’re looking for something smooth yet strong, we suggest the Caprisette line of coffees, already loved by millions. Our best-selling coffee beans called Caprisette Fragrante offer a mix of arabica and robusta that will please fans of traditional coffee flavours. This delicious variety smells like peanut butter, and boasts sweet notes of chocolate candies. The subtle aftertaste of walnuts provides a gorgeous final touch.

Arabica and Robusta Ground Coffee 

No coffee grinder at home, or too busy to grind your own beans? No worries! Ground coffee is a convenient alternative. Just grab some pre-ground beans, and use them right away to make your favourite brew! If you love sweet extras in your coffee (like sugar, milk or cream), you’re bound to enjoy the combo of arabica and robusta. This duo is often used to create rich, bold espresso blends, just like the ones that the Italians like to sip on. Our Caprisette ground coffees boast a lovely aroma and a light, fruity flavour, perfect for fans of both black coffee and milk-based coffee drinks.

Specialty Coffee 

When it comes to premium specialty coffee, 100% arabica beans are usually the way to go. Specialty coffee blends are gaining popularity too though, and for good reason! By combining different types of beans, it’s possible to achieve the kind of flavour that’s not too strong in any one area, making it super versatile and suited for all sorts of brewing methods. The result is a coffee that’s both delicate and intense, with a hint of acidity and a pleasant kick of bitterness.

Coffee pods, pads, capsules

What really sets coffee pods apart is their wide range of flavours. Whether you’re into strong espresso or light cappuccino, there are coffee pods out there for you. Just like any other type of coffee, pods are closely tied to the type of coffee beans in them. If you’re looking for a variety of flavours in your espresso or black coffee, choose arabica pods: they’re known for being super smooth and subtle. However, if you’re searching for the perfect balance, where the natural sweetness of arabica is balanced out by the stronger notes of robusta, go for a blend of the two. We’ve got a wide range of coffee pods compatible with the most popular coffee pod machines, like Nespresso and NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto. For the latter, Coffee Friend’s own CHiATO line of coffees is a great choice: these pods are packed with a delicious mix of arabica and robusta.

Senseo coffee pads are super popular nowadays: they’re easy to use and come in a ton of delicious flavours. Coffee Friend has a wide selection of coffee pads on offer, so whether you’re a fan of black coffee or a lover of milk-based drinks, there’s bound to be something in there for you. Don’t forget though that the final result depends on the type of beans that the coffee pad is filled with. If you prefer particularly aromatic brews, go for a coffee pad with pure arabica. For a classic drink marked by a creamy texture, give arabica and robusta blends a try.

ESE Coffee Pods

There are many ways to enjoy an excellent espresso. One of the quickest and easiest is ESE coffee pods. All you need for this brewing method is an ESE pod machine and some delicious ESE pods! Pods like these can be filled with 100% arabica or a combination of arabica and robusta. Which one should you choose? For those who appreciate well-balanced flavours, pods with arabica and robusta blends are best. Plus, arabica and robusta pods are popular with fans of Italian-style coffee, as arabica gives the resulting drink some smoothness, while robusta endows it with a fuller body and delicious creaminess.

Instant Coffee

Looking for a hassle-free coffee experience? Simply pour hot water over instant coffee, and you’re good to go! Don’t worry about the taste either: with instant coffee, you’ve got a range of flavours to choose from, so you can keep it mild or go for something stronger. To avoid making the wrong decision, just let yourself be guided by the bean variety. Instant coffee is usually a mix of arabica and robusta. Robusta has twice as much caffeine as arabica, so this combo is perfect for those who like their coffee strong and intense—just the thing for sworn fans of black coffee!

Decaf Coffee

Do you enjoy drinking coffee, yet want to limit your caffeine intake? Decaf coffee is a fantastic option! It’s made using regular beans, but with the caffeine removed. When it comes to taste, it all depends on the bean variety once again. 100% arabica is known for its fruity, floral flavours, and a particularly light body. Robusta, on the other hand, has a bolder taste that’s a bit more bitter. The good news is, these two blend together well! For those who avoid caffeine, Coffee Friend has come up with Caprisette Lullaby Decaf: it’s a unique blend of high-quality arabica and robusta beans from Brazil, Guatemala, and India. The result is a smooth, aromatic coffee with sweet notes of cashews, as well as subtle hints of cacao and wood.

Arabica and Robusta Blends for a Wide Range of Brewing Methods

Picking the perfect coffee involves more than just selecting the right bean variety. You should also think about how you’ll brew it. Brewing methods fall into two key categories: these are espresso and filter. As you experiment with different techniques, you’ll find that each method brings out different flavours and characteristics of your coffee.

Filter coffee is a timeless favourite amongst those who tend to turn coffee-making into a daily ritual. Whether you’re into the more hands-on tools, like Chemex, French presses, AeroPress, cold brew coffee makers and coffee drippers, or automated appliances such as filter coffee machines, there are tons of ways to prepare some delicious filter coffee. It isn’t all about the brewing method though—it’s about the coffee itself too. Like with all other types of coffee, you can brew filter drinks using different types of beans. However, if you’re into arabica and robusta blends, filter brews might be a bit of a letdown: coffee bean blends don’t usually mix well with filter brewing methods. A longer brewing duration and a lower brewing pressure uncover the subtlest nuances of your coffee beans, including the characteristic bitterness of robusta. That’s why pure arabica is definitely the way to go for filter coffee. It’s milder, less bitter, less caffeinated, and boasts a ton of unique flavours, which is exactly what a good filter brew is all about.

Some prefer milder flavours, while others love intense, bitter coffees. Coffee for bean-to-cup machines, espresso machines and moka pots offers the latter. When looking for the right coffee for these brewing methods, pay attention to whether it’s 100% arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta that you’re eyeing. Arabica beans boast a wide variety of flavours, and are marked by bolder notes. Robusta, on the other hand, is quite bitter, and has a higher caffeine content. Those searching for the ultimate variety in their espresso or black coffee should go for 100% arabica, while fans of balanced flavours, where the natural fruitiness of arabica blends with the bitterness of robusta, would do well to choose arabica and robusta blends.

Coffee for Percolators

Percolators make brewing delicious coffee a breeze, and they turn the whole process into pure pleasure. Like with any other brewing method, the bean variety you end up going for is what the flavour of your percolator coffee depends on. Arabica beans are a great choice thanks to their rich, smooth flavour. To obtain the perfect balance of strength and subtlety, you can use arabica and robusta blends as well. 

Coffee Sets

Robusta boasts around 30 different tasting notes, while arabica has as many as 1000. Want to taste them all? Coffee sets with arabica and robusta blends in them are perfect for those keen on diving straight into the realm of different coffee flavours. Buying a set like this will allow you to experience both the light, fruity undertones of arabica, and the deeper, richer accents of robusta. Plus, coffee sets make experimenting and discovering your favourite variety a whole lot easier.

Locally Roasted Arabica and Robusta Blends

Did you know that we have lots of amazing coffee roasters right here in our own backyard? There’s no need to look for blends in far-off places like Brazil, Asia, Africa, or America! Not only does locally roasted coffee provide fans of delicious brews with the freshest cup possible, but it also helps coffee drinkers connect with the local coffee culture. Go ahead and enjoy an exceptional cup of coffee roasted pretty much right there on your doorstep!

Any Questions?

Need help finding the right coffee for you? No problem! Just give us a call or shoot us an email whenever you feel like it. Want to chat about coffee over a delicious cuppa instead?