Robusta – Journey to find the mission of taste

What mission does Robusta coffee carry? How does it develop? Let’s explore this Robusta coffee with 43 Factory!

Robusta coffee

Origin of Robusta coffee

In the 1800s, the Robusta coffee variety was first found in Congo – Belgium. Robusta is believed to be native to the rainforests around Lake Victoria in Uganda. In 1869, rust disease destroyed all Arabica varieties in Sri Lanka and destroyed most of the crops planted in Java – Indonesia in 1876.

Robusta was originally considered a relative of Arabica. But, recent scientific studies show that the truth is not what people think. In fact, the Robusta variety is derived from the parent of Arabica. Thanks to the study and analysis of the genetic order of this Robusta variety, scientists have discovered that: In Sudan, Coffea Canephora was crossed with another fragrant coffee variety named Coffea Eugenioides, the hybrid result was Born Coffea Arabica – ie Arabica coffee. Coffea Canephora and Coffea Arabica are practically the only species of coffee used to make coffee.

Robusta was originally considered as a close cousin of Arabica

Interesting facts about the Robusta coffee

Biological characteristics of Robusta coffee

The Robusta coffee will grow best in tropical climates and most species (67%) are only adapted to altitudes below 1000m above sea level. In addition, there are also some trees found at altitudes up to 2300m. Robusta is quite adaptable, so it is often grown in lower places than Arabica. Although pleasant, Robusta also requires a relatively large amount of rainfall (1200mm – 2500mm) and can be easily found in humid environments. In particular, Robusta requires more ideal light conditions than other common coffees.

Most Robusta coffee varieties are only adapted to altitudes below 1000m

Robusta coffee also possesses a preeminent feature over other plants that is disease resistance, good disease resistance. It has the ability to limit the penetration of white stem borers or nematodes because it contains two substances Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) and Caffeine. Because of that, people when planting do not need to spend too much effort and expense in killing pests. In addition, the tree also brings seeds of much higher quality, bringing a great source of income for the people.

Flavors from the growing region

In general, Robusta coffee is famous for having a much higher caffeine content than other varieties of the same family. That has contributed to giving Robusta a very distinctive rich flavor that is hard to describe in words. Although it is not classified as a Specialty coffee, Robusta captivates the audience in its own way, different from Arabica, but certainly still finds souls in tune with her.

Unprocessed Coffea Canephora seeds will smell like fresh peanuts. When roasted, the seeds will turn to the aroma of grains or imbued with the taste of wood, earth and sky. However, if you do not have experience in roasting Robusta coffee, the coffee beans will have a very strong smell and are difficult to drink.

The best way to enjoy Robusta coffee

Because the flavor is somewhat darker and thicker than other types of coffee, quite a few people choose to enjoy 100% Robusta. Depending on coffee taste and personality, each person will choose different ways of making Robusta coffee. Most people will blend Robusta and Arabica beans, combining the best of each for the perfect flavor.

There are quite a few ratios when mixing for you to choose from, such as 70% Robusta and 30% Arabica if diners like the typical bitter taste of Robusta but are afraid to drink pure bitterness. There is also a ratio of 50% Robusta and 50% Arabica for you to choose if you want to neutralize the flavor of the two beans and prefer a slightly more bitter taste. In particular, Robusta coffee, when filtered, will increase the characteristic bitter flavor and much more delicious.

Robusta coffee growing areas in Vietnam

Robusta plays a very important role, accounting for 90% of Vietnam’s coffee exports. Robusta is cultivated in many places such as Daklak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai.

These provinces can grow a lot of Robusta coffee trees because they possess a very large area of ​​rich basalt red soil. This is a very loose, fertile soil that has the ability to hold water very well. Proper weather, temperature, and light conditions are also one of factors that help plants grow well in these lands.

Robusta coffee growing area is very large, accounting for 550,000 hectares, which can supply coffee for the domestic market and export to the international market. In particular, because the price of Robusta is only half the price of Arabic, its competitiveness is much higher than that of other coffee exporting countries.

Let’s come to 43 Factory Coffee to enjoy coffee.