Coffee is a beverage that has been around for centuries, and its popularity has not dwindled. There are many different types of coffee, but two types have been at the top of the list for years: Arabica and Colombian coffee.
Both coffees come from various origins, which can make them difficult to compare side-by-side with each other. However, there are some key differences between Arabica vs Colombian coffee that help distinguish one from another. Scroll down for more details!
What Are The Differences Between Arabica vs Colombian Coffee?
Arabica and Colombian coffee are two of the most popular types of coffee in the world. For a lot of people, they’re what they drink every morning to start their day. But do you know what makes these coffees different? How much caffeine is in each type? Keep reading to find out more!
Where They Grow
The Arabica coffee plant is native to the Ethiopian region. On the other hand, Colombian coffee lies among the most popular types of Arabica that originate from Columbia.
Soil and processing are two of the most important factors that impact these coffee’s flavor. Colombian versions have a distinct taste because they’re grown in better soil. At the same time, other Arabica beans come from more fertile environments with different growing techniques applied to them than those used on Colombians.
The difference between Colombian and Arabica coffees is like the difference between chocolate and pralines. One provides a base for the other to develop on top of it.
Colombia is home to some of the finest Arabica beans in all of Latin America. These are not just any old coffee bushes – these belong exclusively to Colombia and have been grown here since 1901 when they were first planted on this beautiful territory.
The climate and elevation of a coffee bean’s home soil intensely impact how coffee tastes. For example, Arabica grown in Columbia is often processed differently than that same variety elsewhere because of the different conditions!
Coffee plants need the right type of soil and relevant elevation. They perform best between 1200-1800 meters above sea level, which is 0.74 -1 mile for those not using metric measurements!
Consequently, the plant needs to be protected from direct sunlight. This would cause it to wilt if left exposed too long in the summer heat, for example. Coffee plants do not need direct light like most other plants, so they only require a little bit of indirect sun every day.
The perfect climate for coffee is the humid, tropical regions found throughout Latin America. The beans grow quickly in these conditions, and their flavor develops as they taste more intense, thanks to all that moisture present from heavy rainfalls or misty mornings.
Read more: How does coffee grow
Extra Processing Step
The Colombian variant is just like Arabica, but it’s grown in the best possible spot for processing and comes with an extra step: washing. This process washes away any charcoal particles on your beans, making them taste unpleasant or harsh when roasted.
Once ripe, coffee cherries are picked and then pulped by being mashed in with water. The pits stay intact, creating a mucus-like pulp that must be washed off for days after harvesting. The remaining beans are then dried and roasted to different levels, which leaves them with a milder flavor than usual!
The flavor of Colombian coffee beans has been described as softer and milder than that from other countries, which is the main reason for its high cost. It’s also becoming more common for Brazilian coffees exported to be washed to maximize their profitability with the export market.
Preparation Methods
Cold brews and pour-over machines are a great way to enjoy the taste, but not the power consumption of iced coffee. Arabica coffee is known for its unique properties. Once brewed, it must be consumed quickly because once cooled off too long, Arabica can become bitter and unpalatable to some consumers.
Colombian coffee is a little different from Arabica beans, as it can withstand lower temperatures. The best way to store your coffee: keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid cooling or refrigerating it, as that will make it bitter faster!
To make up for the shortage in some areas, Colombians use uniquely different methods of consuming their coffee. You can do it by boiling or using pour-over techniques to drink instant Colombian coffee with milk and sugar added together into one cup at once!
Arabica dry-processed beans are the best for a strong, thick coffee. The traditional methods often do not allow water to extract properly from these coarse grains, which creates this rich flavor profile that people enjoy more than other types of coffee!
Taste
The way that the two coffees are processed before they’re roasted can make all the difference in how they taste. Colombian coffees undergo a process called washing before they’re roasted. On the other hand, Arabica beans bypass this step because their bushier growths hide any minor flaws during harvesting.
Arabica coffee beans are known for their sweet and rich flavors. They also have hints of vanilla, honey, or apricot in the cup. This makes it an ideal choice for your morning joe without sugar or milk! The acidity level may be low compared with other coffees, but this doesn’t mean a bland flavor.
Colombian coffee beans are less acidic, and the caffeine content is lower thanks to a special processing method called “wet washing.” This process makes it smoother with hints of chocolate-like undertones, fruit flavors like apples or berries can be tasted in some coffees as well.
Caffeine Content
Colombian coffee and Arabica are both bred from a similar genetic stock, which is why they have many of the same flavor traits. However, there are some key differences in caffeine levels between them: Colombian beans contain less bitter undertones while still offering up about as much buzz per cup.
As you may know, coffees grown out on farms throughout South America tend to share what’s known scientifically as “Arabicanas” or Catimor Hybrid Seeds. Though these types vary greatly depending upon where farmers practice their craft!
Arabica coffee is the superior choice for those who want a less caffeinated brew while still enjoying higher taste levels. Arab bean varieties contain about half as much caffeine content as Robusta and Colombian beans, only having around 15% but with 60% more fats!
The Cost
If you are looking for a coffee with an earthy taste and some bitterness, the Colombian blend might be just what you’re after. It is more expensive than the other one because of how it’s processed. Extra care and time are put into processing seeds to make sure that only high-quality plants reach consumers.
It’s likely due to greater heat or moisture stress experienced during growth stages before maturity. This can lead to small differences. Colombian is harsher and more intense, but it will leave your mouth satisfied with each sip.
Colombian coffees are typically washed to reduce the acidity level. This makes them sweeter than other types of coffee, and their caffeine content is double that of the Arabica beans!
Arabica vs Colombian – Which Type Of Coffee Should You Try If You …?
Prefer Strong Coffee
If strong coffee is what you prefer, go for the Arabica blend. Meanwhile, if mild doses are enough to wake up in the morning, the Colombian blend would be ideal. That’s because it has lower caffeine levels and no bitterness.
Have Health Issues
The high quality of Colombian coffee beans is due to the perfect environmental conditions and careful considerations throughout its production. The low caffeine content means that this blend will be safe for those who may have health issues with caffeinated beverages.
FAQs Of Arabica vs Colombian Coffee
1. Which Is Stronger, Arabica Or Colombian Coffee?
Colombian coffee is a delicious variety of Arabica that comes exclusively from Colombia. This milder, more delicate brew has been given its own taste thanks to the culture and climate in this country. It’s not as strong or intense but still packs quite a punch!
2. Is All Wet Processed Coffee Colombian Coffee?
Absolutely not. Not all coffee that is processed by “washed” is Colombian coffee. People often utilize this process for those bean varieties more than for Colombian ones. Still, only beans raised and harvested from Colombia are Colombian coffee!
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the differences between Arabica vs Colombian coffee. Which type of coffee should you try?
If you’re looking for a light roast with fruity notes, then your best bet is to go with an espresso made from Colombian beans. If it’s boldness or nutty flavor that appeals to you more, then opt for an Arabic bean! Though, we would recommend you try them both to figure out which one best suits you!
Almost 20 years already spent committed to coffee and more than 3 years of experience as a barista at Starbucks. Madelyn Doyle graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from the University of California and finished the Coffee Skills Program at the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).