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Despite Robusta’s significant share of production, it is often considered the “less popular” choice among coffee enthusiasts. But why is that? Let’s dive deeper to find out.
HOW ROBUSTA COFFEE GROW
Behind Coffee Arabica,
Robusta is the second-most popular coffee in the world today. It is produced by the Coffea canephora plant, which was originally grown in the western and central portions of sub-Saharan Africa.
Robusta plants are grown primarily in Central Africa, East Africa, West Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and Indonesia. Robusta is also grown in Brazil, where it is called Conilon.
About 40% of the world’s coffee consumed each day is Coffee Robusta. When combined with Coffee Arabica, these two products represent between 95% to 99% of the beans purchased each year.
Robusta coffee grows at low altitudes, ranging from sea level to 600 metres. Arabica plants often grow between 2.5-3.5 meters in height compared to the taller Robusta plants, which reach from 4.5-6 meters.
Robusta plants are robust just like its name – they can withstand high temperatures and large amounts of rainfall. Moreover, all it takes is 11 months for the Robusta plant to mature and be harvested.
You’ve likely heard of Arabica, the world’s most popular coffee bean. Following closely behind are Robusta coffee beans, accounting for approximately 40% of global coffee production. Together, Arabica and Robusta dominate nearly 99% of the world’s coffee supply, with the rare Liberica making up the remaining 1%.
HOW TO ROAST ROBUSTA COFFEE BEANS
Based on the findings; to roast Robusta coffee beans using normal roast, roasting time should be 10 minutes under temperature of 180±5OC at medium level. The density is 0.49±0.04 gram/mL, water content is 3.5±1.3%, weight loss is 9.7±1.9%, and pH is 5.3±0.2. The coffee bean has a chocolaty, spicy flavor and thick body.
FLAVORS OF COFFEE ROBUSTA
Robusta coffee is one of the most resilient plants as it is highly immune to pests and diseases that damage crops. But that immunity results from its high caffeine levels which act as a natural pesticide in coffee cherries.
In fact, a Robusta bean has 2.7% caffeine content, which is almost double that of an Arabica bean, which has 1.5%.
There is a unique flavor profile to enjoy when you’re having a cup of coffee brewed from Robusta. It offers a flavor that speaks of the Earth, somewhat grainy, with tons of oak and bitterness when the roasting process finishes correctly. You should also have a kick that tastes of peanuts, which settles on your tongue.
You must purchase Coffee Robusta from a trusted supplier to ensure the consistency and flavor is right. If the roasters get their process wrong, it is easy for this coffee to have a taste profile that is similar to licking a used car tire.
Espresso is often the preferred way to enjoy this variety, as it offers a lovely crema that is thicker and with deeper flavor tones than Arabica or other variations. You’ll find the kick from the espresso remains smooth, even with the higher caffeine content.
WHY YOU SHOULD DRINK ROBUSTA
Despite Robusta coffee being known for its low-quality brews, that is not always the case. Top-notch specialty Robusta coffee tastes just as good, if not better than commercial Arabica coffee.
As a matter of fact, Robusta is still widely used in Italian-style espresso blends as it gives the perfect crema, which is hailed as the mark of an excellent espresso. Furthermore, Singapore and Malaysia’s famed kopi (coffee) is made from Robusta beans.
If you haven’t, try single-origin coffee blends that are made from 100% Robusta beans. The resulting brew offers a distinctive and unique flavor profile with a creamy finish.
