Hey there, fellow coffee lovers! Have you heard about the robust and flavorful Robusta coffee beans? This variety, also known as Coffea Canephora, is a worthy challenger to the famous Arabica coffee.
As someone who enjoys brewing coffee at home, I always seek new and exciting varieties. Robusta coffee beans have been gaining popularity lately, and I’m excited to learn more about them. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Robusta coffee!
How Many Coffee Bean Types Are There?
Since the beginning of the history of coffee, the two main coffee bean types are Arabica and Robusta.
- Arabica comes from Central and South America and has its origins in Ethiopia,
- while Robusta is primarily grown in Africa and certain parts of Asia
Due to their growth at lower elevations below 900 meters, Coffea Canephora beans are more adaptable to varying weather conditions. This makes them tougher than the delicate Arabica.
What is Robusta Coffee?
Robusta coffee presents a bolder and more intense coffee experience. These beans possess higher caffeine content than Arabica, sometimes even triple the amount. As a result, Robusta is often used to craft solid and invigorating espressos. A typical Arabica bean contains 0.8-1.5% caffeine, while robusta contains 1.7-3.5%.
Robusta is a
- Full-bodied,
- Bitter,
- Low-acidity coffee type,
- That has a long aftertaste.
Because of the softer flavors, Arabica coffee is the no.1. Specialty coffee type, while Robusta is mainly used commercially. Because of that, Arabica coffee prices are almost always higher than the price of Robusta or coffee blends.
Nowadays, coffee farmers in countries like Brazil have been cultivating “specialty Robusta” plantations. The aim is to improve the quality and meet the growing demand for this unique coffee type.
What Does Robusta Coffee Taste Like?
Regarding the flavor, Robusta coffee has a
- vital,
- robust essence
- with marked bitterness
- and a mouth-puckering sensation.
Its taste profile is quite different from Arabica’s smoother, vibrant notes. Robusta is often preferred for its ability to add body and intensity to espresso blends, catering to those who enjoy a powerful coffee kick.
Where Does Robusta Coffee Come From?
Coffea Canephora originated from Congo and has since expanded across Africa and Asia. Robusta beans are highly resilient and thrive in less delicate conditions than Arabica beans. They can grow on hills and mountains at lower elevations, which makes them less vulnerable to weather changes. This unique quality has contributed to their growing popularity.
The Rise of Robusta Coffee – Why Robusta Coffee is Getting More Popular?
Robusta coffee has gained immense popularity recently because of its unique qualities. There is also a rising demand for stronger coffee flavors. Arabica coffee isn’t for everyone. Coffee lovers like Robusta’s slightly bitter taste and intense aroma.
Robusta cultivating countries
- Vietnam
- Brazil
- Indonesia
- Uganda
- India
- Ivory Coast
- Guatemala
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Honduras
Summary About Coffea Canephora
In summary, Coffea Canephora is a remarkable variety that adds boldness and strength to the world of coffee.
With higher caffeine content and a robust flavor profile, it has become a favorite for espresso enthusiasts. As more coffee growers cultivate Robusta, its potential effect on the coffee industry’s future becomes even more exciting.
Keep an eye on those Brazilian coffee fields, as they might have something extraordinary in store for us. Remember, exploring the world of coffee is like embarking on a thrilling journey, and I’m thrilled to share this adventure with you all!
I’ve not yet tried the specialty robusta, but it’s the goal of the year to try it. When I go to a café, I still ask for a 100% Arabica with V60, but it’s time to switch the regular espressos to something new. I imagine a cappuccino made of 100% specialty Robusta might be a better combo than a cappuccino with Arabica.
What’s your opinion about this?