While reading coffee bags, shopping for whole bean coffee, or browsing your favorite brunch spot's menu, you may have noticed the words 100% Arabica.
But what exactly does that mean? And if there's a 100% Arabica coffee... what are the other options?
The answer starts with the coffee plant.
Not All Coffee Comes From the Same Plant
There are more than 100 species of coffee plants, but almost all of the coffee we drink comes from just two:
- Arabica (Coffea arabica)
- Robusta (Coffea canephora)
Think of them as two different branches of the same family tree.
They're both coffee, but they grow differently, thrive in different environments, and produce distinctly different cups.
So what's the difference? And why does Hansa roast almost exclusively Arabica?
Arabica originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and today accounts for roughly two-thirds of the world's coffee production. It grows best at higher elevations with moderate temperatures, where coffee cherries mature slowly and develop complex flavors.
Robusta, as its name suggests, is a hardier plant. It tolerates warmer climates, grows at lower elevations, and is naturally more resistant to pests and disease. Because it's easier to cultivate and often produces higher yields, it's an important crop in many coffee-growing regions around the world.
Both species have earned their place in the coffee industry—they simply offer different experiences in the cup.
What Can You Expect in the Cup?
Coffee is wonderfully diverse, and both Arabica and Robusta contribute to that story. Like wine grape varieties or different kinds of apples, each coffee species offers its own unique characteristics. Neither exists to replace the other—they simply bring different qualities to the cup.
Arabica coffees are known for their incredible range of flavors. That's one of the reasons they've become the standard in specialty coffee. Depending on where they're grown and how they're processed, they can showcase notes of chocolate, caramel, citrus, berries, florals, nuts, or stone fruit. They also tend to have a brighter acidity and a smooth, balanced finish.
Robusta coffees are typically bolder and earthier, with flavors that lean toward wood, nuts, cocoa, and spice. They also contain nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica, contributing to a fuller body and a more assertive, bitter character.
Why Does Hansa Coffee Roasters Roast Almost Exclusively Arabica?
At Hansa Coffee Roasters, we roast almost exclusively Arabica because we're passionate about showcasing the unique character of every coffee we source.
One of the things we love most about coffee is how dramatically it can change depending on where it's grown. Climate, soil, elevation, variety, and processing all leave their mark on the final cup.
Arabica's natural sweetness and complexity help those differences shine through. Whether it's a chocolate-forward Brazilian coffee, a bright Ethiopian with citrus and floral notes, or a balanced Colombian with caramel sweetness, Arabica allows each coffee to tell the story of where it was grown.
That's what excites us most as roasters, and it's what we love sharing with our guests.
A Quick Note About Robusta
Although we focus on Arabica, Robusta certainly has its place in the coffee world.
It's commonly used in instant coffee and in some traditional espresso blends, where it contributes body, crema, and extra caffeine. There are even specialty-grade Robustas being produced today that are changing perceptions of what this species can be. As climate change continues to make coffee production more challenging, many in the specialty coffee industry believe Robusta could play a larger role in the years ahead.
The Next Time You See "100% Arabica"...
...you'll know it's simply telling you which species of coffee plant those beans came from.
The best way to understand what makes Arabica so special is simply to taste it. Every coffee we roast offers its own unique expression of the farm, region, and growing conditions that shaped it. That's one of the things we love most about coffee, and we hope it's something you'll discover in every cup.
