Beyond Arabica: The Mighty Robusta Coffee Bean

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FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Robusta Coffee

Coffee is an evergreen shrub of the genus Coffea in the Rubiaceae family. Rubiaceae plants have been widely used in medicine since ancient times due to their numerous therapeutic compounds. These coffee trees can be divided into three main coffee varieties: Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. Among them, Liberica is rarely cultivated due to its low commercial value, so we hardly have the opportunity to encounter it. The coffees we commonly encounter are Arabica and Robusta varieties.

Robusta was first discovered in the Congo. Compared to Arabica, it is more heat-tolerant and can be cultivated in low-altitude regions. In these plain areas, plant respiration is more active than photosynthesis. For plants in these plain areas, some of the sugars and other components generated through photosynthesis are consumed in the formation of coffee aroma and flavor, while most are consumed in the formation of the plant's root and branch tissues. These growing conditions give Robusta beans their inherent characteristics.

Compared to Arabica, Robusta has a lighter aroma, with bitterness more prominent than acidity. When extracting freshly roasted Robusta coffee beans, they emit a fragrant aroma similar to corn tea, with strong body and thickness.

Robusta is generally used for making canned coffee and instant coffee. The main reason is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to Arabica. In addition, this is closely related to Robusta's strong bitterness and good texture. Robusta coffee itself has excellent texture. Although some aroma may be lost during processing, other coffees with enhanced aromas can be added to compensate, which can also reflect the freshness of the coffee. It is also widely used in espresso blends. Even with light roasting, Robusta can produce rich-flavored coffee and high-quality oils.

Today, consumers find it difficult to buy good Robusta coffee beans because most Robusta beans are mass-produced for instant coffee. The Robusta beans circulating in the market are mostly low-quality, low-priced raw beans. Because of this, Robusta beans are often misunderstood as low-grade coffee beans.

Robusta beans are fuller than Arabica beans, with a central crack that splits vertically. From the side, they usually appear flat or have a raised center. They feel harder than Arabica beans, like small stones, earning them the nickname "the little tyrant of beans."

In Summary

FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research hall dedicated to sharing knowledge about coffee with everyone. We share without reservation, hoping to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Every month, we hold three low-discount coffee events because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past six years!

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