Arabica coffee beans and ground coffee

Arabica or Robusta: what is the difference?

Almost all coffee comes from two species. Arabica grows higher up, ripens more slowly and is more demanding to farm. In the cup it is sweeter and more aromatic, with fruity, floral, nutty or chocolate notes depending on origin, and a lively acidity. Robusta is hardier and has more caffeine; it tastes more bitter and earthy and gives a thick crema.

Neither is better by definition. Arabica suits you if you like a nuanced cup that you can drink black. If you want a heavier espresso with plenty of crema, look at Robusta coffee beans or a blend of Arabica and Robusta.

Single origins: Arabica from one country

A single origin shows what a region tastes like. The Café du Jour single origins here are all 100% Arabica coffee beans, among them:

• Africa: Ethiopia, Yirgacheffe Speciality, Kenya and Tanzania. East African Arabica is known for fruity and floral notes and a bright acidity.
• Central and South America: Brazil, Cerrado, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Peru. Typically rounder, with nutty and chocolate tones; Brazil in particular has a low acidity.
• Asia: Sumatra Speciality and India Monsooned Malabar, earthier and spicier, with a heavier body.

Want to taste the differences side by side? Single Origins – 7 x 250 g puts seven origins in one set. See all single origin coffee beans.

Arabica blends

A blend combines beans from several origins for a balanced, consistent cup. Café du Jour blends in this category include South America, Gourmet, Mocca, Bregman's Blend El Jefe, Captain's Choice and Brazilian Manners. For milk drinks, Dark Roast Brazil has the darker roast that holds its own against milk.

You will also find Arabica beans from other roasters here, such as Caffè Vergnano 1882 Antica Bottega, Lavazza Qualità Oro, Kimbo Espresso Barista 100% arabica, Lucaffé Mr. Exclusive and Café Intención Crema Aromatico, mostly in 1 kg bags for bean-to-cup and portafilter machines. illy sells its Arabica in 250 g packs, including the illy Arabica Tasting Pack with four single-origin Arabica Selection coffees.

Decaf and low caffeine

Arabica already contains less caffeine than Robusta. For even less, choose Decaf Espresso, Decaf Special or Café du Jour Low Caffeine, or illy Decaf in 250 g. More options are under decaffeinated coffee beans.

Ground coffee and drip bags

No grinder? This category also has Arabica ground coffee in 250 g packs, such as illy Classico, illy Intenso, Lavazza Caffe Espresso and Pellini Top in a can, and Brazil and Ethiopia as single serve drip bags, 14 per box. A drip bag hangs over your cup: pour on hot water and you have filter coffee without a machine. See all single serve drip bags.

Which Arabica suits you?

• You drink espresso black: a blend such as Gourmet or South America, or one of the Italian espresso beans.
• You drink cappuccino or latte: Dark Roast Brazil or another darker roast.
• You brew filter or French press: a single origin, to taste the region.
• You want coffee in the evening: Decaf Espresso, Decaf Special or Low Caffeine.
• You have no grinder: ground coffee or drip bags.