Explore the World of Coffee Beans

Getting to know coffee beans

Coffee beans are the seeds from the cherry fruit of trees in the Coffea family, commonly used to make the coffee we know today. There are many varieties of coffee plants, each with its own unique flavor. These beans are roasted until they turn black or brown. The flavor depends on the brewing method and various ingredients.

There are two main types of coffee beans commonly used to create our favorite beverage: Arabica and Robusta. Each has a distinct flavor profile depending on its growing region, giving it its own unique charm. We're here to introduce you to both varieties and explain the differences between Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica Coffee Arabica is considered one of the first coffee varieties discovered and cultivated, with a long history in Ethiopia. Arabica beans are long and slender, and they thrive in high altitudes. This variety is widely cultivated in East Africa and Latin America. In Thailand, Arabica plantations are mostly found in the northern region.

With its smooth, mellow flavor and easy-to-drink nature due to its caffeine content of only 2% or less, Arabica is the most popular coffee variety in the world. The beans are slender and oval-shaped, with a curved diameter resembling the letter S. Its distinctive feature is its delicate, chocolate-like aroma, making it versatile for creating a wide variety of new coffee drinks. It's a flavor profile favored by most coffee enthusiasts.

Robusta coffee is another popular coffee variety, second only to Arabica. Robusta thrives in moist conditions and therefore grows best in lowlands, a characteristic completely opposite to Arabica. It is widely cultivated in river basins and coastal areas.

For those who appreciate a rich and intense coffee flavor, this variety is characterized by its robust, authentic coffee taste that is both bitter and strong, along with a high caffeine content. It's ideal for drinking as black coffee or for use in ready-to-drink coffee products.

The differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. We will highlight them point by point to help you choose your favorite coffee correctly.

Coffee bean characteristics: Arabica: Long and oval-shaped with a central groove that forms a coiled S-shape. Robusta: Short and plump, round and cute-looking beans with a long, straight central groove.

Growing areas that thrive well: Arabica: Highlands, 800–1,000 meters above sea level and higher (Northern Thailand) Robusta: Lowlands, 500–600 meters above sea level (Southern Thailand)

Caffeine Content Arabica: Contains less than 2% caffeine. Easy to drink, not very bitter, good taste. Robusta: Contains more than 2% caffeine. Strong flavor typical of real coffee.

Aroma and Flavor (Coffee Flavors) Arabica: Offers a smooth, gentle, and well-rounded flavor in every sip. Within this well-roundedness, there's a subtle acidity that enhances the enjoyment and pleasure of the taste.

Robusta: Intensity is the defining characteristic of Robusta coffee. Its robust aroma combined with a relatively high degree of bitterness is the charm that appeals to true coffee connoisseurs.