What is Robusta Coffee?
Robusta coffee, known by its scientific name as coffea canephora, is the second most widely consumed coffee in the world. If you didn’t know that or don’t know what robusta is, we’re here to give you a crash course in all things robusta coffee!
What is robusta coffee?
Robusta coffee is one of two species of coffee that is consumed globally. It makes up around 40% of global coffee production. Before it becomes roasted coffee, robusta coffee grows on bushes and trees with cherries that ripen for processing and drying.
Growing at a variety of climates and altitudes, robusta coffee is a hardy plant that may be the key to sustainable coffee production in the future. With natural pest resistance due to its high caffeine content, robusta coffee is also a more environmentally friendly crop that requires less or no pesticides.
Where does robusta coffee come from?
Like all coffee, robusta coffee most likely has its origins in Africa. These days, robusta coffee around the world will most likely come from Vietnam, the leading producer of robusta coffee in the world. 90% of Vietnam’s coffee production is robusta coffee!
Where is robusta coffee grown?
In Vietnam, robusta coffee is grown all around the country, but most of it is grown in the Central Highlands region in the center of the country in areas such as Buôn Ma Thuột and Đà Lạt. In these areas, the climate is temperate with slightly higher elevations and fertile soils, allowing for farmers to cultivate robusta coffee with ease and efficiency.
What does robusta coffee taste like?
Robusta coffee is known for its intense and bold flavors. With 60% less sugars and fats than arabica coffee, robusta coffee often has notes of chocolate and nuts. For those who enjoy a deep, roasty flavor when they drink coffee, robusta coffee is highly recommended. Bonus: robusta coffee boasts little to no acid!
Is robusta coffee good?
Single origin, specialty robusta coffee contains flavor notes that are rich and complex. We recommend trying it black first to get the pure flavor notes before adding milk and sugar. Because of its deep flavor profile, robusta coffee perfectly complements the creaminess of milk and the sweetness of sugar– it’s a cup of coffee unlike any other!
What is special about robusta coffee?
Besides its natural pest resistance and hardiness, robusta coffee is also a plant that matures faster than its arabica counterpart, allowing farmers to produce it more quickly to meet demands around the world.
Furthermore, robusta coffee is everywhere! It can be found in espresso and instant coffee blends as well as in specialty roasts around the world. Robusta coffee is growing in popularity as coffee lovers begin to diversify their tastes and seek out different kinds of coffee. This in turn allows producers to grow and process new varieties of robusta coffee that are unique and delicious.
How do I drink robusta coffee?
Robusta coffee may be a different species of coffee, but it’s ultimately still coffee. It can be brewed in a number of ways ranging from drip to French press to espresso. Each brew style will create a different cup of coffee that contains different levels of oils and unique flavor notes.
Robusta coffee can be consumed with or without milk and sugar. In Vietnam, robusta coffee is most commonly consumed with sweetened condensed milk over ice, known as cà phê sữa đá. However, Vietnamese people also enjoy their robusta coffee in lattes, Americanos, and pour overs. Coffee is a personal experience and should be enjoyed as such!
Ultimately, how you drink and enjoy your coffee is how you can drink robusta coffee. There are no rules and as long as you enjoy the final cup, you’re making robusta coffee correctly.
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