Robusta, however, has a stronger, harsher taste, with a grain-like overtone and peanutty aftertaste. They contain twice as much caffeine as arabica beans, and they are generally considered to be of inferior quality compared to arabica. Some robustas, however, are of high quality and valued especially in espressos for their deep flavor and good crema.

Robustas, however, are easier to grow. They can grow at lower altitutes than arabicas, and they are less vulnerable to pests and weather conditions. They produce fruit much more quickly than the arabicas, which need several years to come to maturity, and they yield more crop per tree.