Coffee Vending

Arabica or robusta for commercial coffee machines

If you’re a coffee lover or a business owner looking to invest in commercial coffee machines, it’s essential to understand the difference between arabica and robusta coffee beans. Arabica and robusta are the two main species of coffee beans that are commonly used in the production of coffee beverages. In this blog, we’ll delve into the differences between these two types of coffee beans, and how they can impact your coffee experience when using commercial coffee machines available at Top Vending in South Africa.

Arabica Coffee Beans:

Arabica coffee beans are known for their delicate and nuanced flavours, making them a preferred choice for specialty coffee. They are typically grown at higher altitudes in regions with cooler climates, such as Central and South America, Africa, and some parts of Asia. Arabica coffee beans have a mild and smooth taste profile with notes of sweetness, acidity, and complexity. They generally have a lower caffeine content, ranging from 1-1.7%, compared to robusta coffee beans.

Robusta Coffee Beans:

Robusta coffee beans, as the name suggests, are known for their robust and bold flavours. They are typically grown at lower altitudes in regions with warmer climates, such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Robusta coffee beans have a more bitter and earthy taste profile with less acidity and complexity compared to arabica beans. They generally have a higher caffeine content, ranging from 2-2.7%, which gives them a stronger and more potent caffeine kick.

Liberica Coffee Beans:

Liberica coffee beans are a very rare variety of coffee beans that are native to West and Central Africa. They have a smooth and nutty flavor with a slight hint of fruitiness, and many coffee fans often describe them as being sweet and robust. The caffeine content in Liberica coffee beans is also lower than other varieties of coffee, about 1.23%.

Differences in Commercial Coffee Machines:

The type of coffee beans used can have a significant impact on the performance of commercial coffee machines, including those available at Top Vending in South Africa. Here are some key differences in how arabica and robusta beans can affect commercial coffee machines:

1. Grinding: Arabica coffee beans are generally softer and have a more delicate structure compared to robusta beans. This can affect the grinding process in commercial coffee machines, as arabica beans may require a finer grind to extract the desired flavours fully. On the other hand, robusta beans may require a coarser grind to prevent over-extraction, which can result in a bitter taste.
2. Extraction: The brewing process in commercial coffee machines relies on extracting flavours from the coffee grounds. Due to their different taste profiles, arabica and robusta beans may require different brewing parameters, such as water temperature and brewing time. Arabica beans may benefit from lower water temperatures and longer extraction times to bring out their complex flavours, while robusta beans may require higher water temperatures and shorter extraction times to extract their bold flavours without producing bitterness.
3. Maintenance: The different physical properties of arabica and robusta beans can also impact the maintenance of commercial coffee machines. Arabica beans tend to produce less oil during the brewing process, which can result in less residue and clogging in the machine. On the other hand, robusta beans can produce more oil, which may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance of the coffee machine.
4. Flavour profiles: The type of coffee beans used can significantly impact the flavour profiles of the brewed coffee. Arabica beans tend to produce a smoother and more nuanced cup with notes of sweetness, acidity, and complexity, which can be appreciated by those who enjoy a more refined taste. Robusta beans, on the other hand, produce a stronger and more bitter cup with less acidity and complexity, which may appeal to those who prefer a bold and robust taste.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between arabica and robusta coffee beans is crucial when using commercial coffee machines, including those available at Top Vending in South Africa. The type of coffee beans used can impact the grinding, extraction, maintenance, and flavour profiles of the brewed coffee.