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Discover Robusta coffee.
Robusta coffee beans have a reputation among some coffee drinkers of being inferior to their more elegant coffee cousin, Arabica. This is a rather unfair comparison, Robusta and Arabica are simply two very different types of coffee beans, with very distinctive flavours.
From Africa to Asia.
Robusta coffee trees are grown in lowland areas in Central Africa, East Africa, West Africa, India, and Indonesia and South East Asia, with Vietnam being the world’s largest producer of Robusta coffee beans. Robusta beans are also grown in Brazil, where they are known as Conilon.
Production of Robusta beans is increasing, though it only accounts for one quarter of the world’s coffee production. The Robusta tree can be grown in warm climates and doesn’t require the mountainous altitudes of Arabica, thriving at lower altitudes in low lying plains and valleys.
Robusta coffee beans are cultivated from the Coffea canephora tree, which can grow up to 10 metres tall, around twice the size of the Arabica tree.
The name Robusta originates from the fact that the tree is very hardy, capable of withstanding high temperatures, high humidity and low altitudes between 200 and 800 metres. The high caffeine concentration and natural oxidants help ward off pests and diseases.
Robusta trees grow twice as fast as Arabica trees, and their lowland location makes them easier to maintain and cultivate, and the yield is greater so they are far more economical for coffee producers.
Flowering irregularly, it can take almost a year for Robusta cherries to ripen, producing small rounded beans. Traditional Italian coffee roasters and blenders often add high-quality Robusta beans to give the coffee a lift, enhancing the depth, strength and flavour. Robusta is experiencing a renaissance.
Due to the increased caffeine and lack of sugars, Robusta beans often have more of a chocolate taste, a little darker, woody and more bitter than Arabica. The aroma of Robusta intensifies with milk, and adding sugar creates a caramel tone. If you enjoy thick, rich, smooth crema on your Espresso, Robusta is the perfect choice.
