There are many varieties of coffee produced in different countries and regions, but all of these coffees fall into two main categories: Robusta and Arabica.

Of the two, Arabica is regarded as a higher-quality, better-tasting coffee. But why is that? What makes Arabica the standard for specialty coffee on the market?

Let’s explore what sets Arabica apart and why it delivers a superior flavor compared to lower-grade coffees.

Coffee's scientific name is "Coffea Rubiaceae" and derives from the fruit of a flowering species in the Rubiaceae plant family. This plant thrives in a narrow region around the equator between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn which is often referred to as the “Coffee Belt.”

The countries within the Coffee Belt share common characteristics, such as a tropical climate, mountainous terrain, and volcanic soil which create ideal growing conditions for some of the world’s finest coffee.

Generally, the higher the elevation a coffee plant grows, the slower and denser the prized coffee beans develop inside the cherry-like fruit. This elevation leads to coffee "seeds" which contain higher levels of sugars and other natural compounds, resulting in the rich, chocolaty, floral, nutty, and fruity notes experienced in a good cup of coffee.

In contrast, Robusta beans are grown at lower elevations and offer a less desirable flavor profile, though they contain up to twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. As a result, Robusta is primarily used in cheaper, low-quality coffees or for blending because it is more cost-effective than its higher-grade counterpart.

At Vienna Coffee Company we roast only the finest Arabica coffee sourced from our trusted importers. We regularly taste these coffees at our on-site coffee lab to ensure consistency and quality. So, the next time you see "100% Arabica Coffee" on your favorite bag from Vienna Coffee, you'll know you're enjoying some of the world's finest coffee!

AT VIENNA COFFEE COMPANY…

Our dedication to ensuring that we are a market leader in craft coffee throughout the southeast dictates that we apply the same critical scrutiny used for our complete coffee lineup to any product we offer. 

This commitment demonstrates our continued pursuit to provide craft coffee that enriches the lives of customers and producers alike by providing an experience grounded in excellence and hospitality. We custom pick our green coffee beans from regions across The Coffee Belt and always seek responsible sourcing from seed to cup.

Our roasting team ensures each bean varietal is roasted according to its characteristics to enhance its peak flavors. Vienna Coffee Company goes further by evaluating each varietal harvest through coffee cuppings to evaluate and adjust its roasting profile.

Explore our complete line of coffees online or stop by the Coffee House and let our baristas do the brewing for you. We hope that exploring what we offer (whether its organic, single-origin, a VCC custom blend or your favorite flavored coffee) continues your journey in discovering that “Great Coffee is an Adventure”.