When it comes to coffee, not all beans are created equal. You may have heard the terms Arabica and Robusta before, but what do they really mean—and why does it matter?
At The Flat Cap Coffee Roasting Company, we’re proudly committed to roasting only specialty Arabica coffee, and here’s why.
Arabica vs. Robusta: What’s the Difference?
Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora) are the two main species of coffee grown commercially around the world. Though they might look similar once roasted, their taste, growing conditions, and quality differ greatly.
Arabica Coffee:
- Grown at higher altitudes in cooler climates
- Naturally lower in caffeine
- Delivers a more complex and nuanced flavour profile—think fruity, floral, chocolatey, nutty, or sweet
- More delicate and harder to grow, making it more expensive
- Graded on strict quality criteria when classified as “specialty”
Robusta Coffee:
- Grows at lower altitudes and is hardier and more resistant to pests
- Higher in caffeine and often more bitter
- Typically used in cheaper supermarket blends and instant coffee
- Lacks the subtle flavours and quality of Arabica
What Makes Arabica ‘Specialty’?
Not all Arabica coffee is equal either. Specialty coffee refers to the highest grade of Arabica beans, scoring 80 or above on a 100-point scale used by coffee professionals. These beans are grown with care, picked at peak ripeness, and processed and roasted with precision to highlight their best characteristics.
Specialty coffee is all about quality, traceability, and a focus on ethical and sustainable sourcing—values that sit at the heart of everything we do at Flat Cap.
Why We Only Roast Arabica
We believe coffee should be something to savour—a moment of connection, comfort, and quality. That’s why we exclusively roast specialty Arabica beans. It allows us to bring out the unique stories and tasting notes from each origin, whether it’s a creamy Brazilian with notes of caramel and nuts or a bright Ethiopian bursting with florals and citrus.
Choosing Arabica means:
- A better flavour experience in every cup
- Supporting more sustainable and ethical farming practices
- Offering you the kind of coffee that’s worth slowing down for
So, next time you take a sip of your Flat Cap brew, know that it’s more than just a coffee—it’s a carefully crafted moment, roasted with purpose.
