What is Robusta Coffee?
You’ve probably noticed all the expensive coffee in your local store is labeled “100% Arabica.” But what about the rest? It’s almost certainly Robusta, the only other commercially grown coffee.
Robusta coffee has a reputation for being poor in quality and flavor. But is that deserved? Or does Arabica coffee just have a better PR person? Find out in this quick guide to Robusta coffee. Learn where it’s from, how it’s grown, and most importantly, how it tastes.
Robusta咖啡是什么意思？
Robusta coffee is coffee made from the seeds of theCoffea canephoraplant.Coffea canephora和阿拉伯咖啡are the only two commercially grown varieties of coffee.Coffea canephorabecame known as咖啡局or Robusta because it is the more robust of the two plants. Robusta coffee makes up about 40% of the coffee grown globally.
Growing the Robusta coffee plant
Robusta coffee originated in Africa, with roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It is still grown commercially in Africa, particularly in Uganda, Tanzania, and Cote d’Ivoire. But production has expanded all over the world. The biggest producer of Robusta is Vietnam, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
Robusta thrives in a warm climate, ideally temperatures between 70 and 86 F, and can be grown at elevations as low as sea level.
It grows well in full sun, making large plantations viable, though these certainly negatively affect local plants and wildlife.
由于其强大的性质，罗布斯塔被广泛认为比阿拉比卡咖啡更耐受气候变化的影响。但是，随着我们的星球温暖，它也会受到影响（1).
罗伯斯塔咖啡的味道如何？
Likeall coffee types, Robusta coffee has a variety of flavor profiles that depend on growing and processing conditions. However, Robusta coffee beans are known for particular characteristics, many of which aren’t necessarily appealing.
Robusta Coffee具有泥土，橡胶或谷物状的口味，通常带有花生或芝麻余味。它的酸度非常低，体重很重，并且比甜度更倾向于苦味。它是高度咖啡因的，在酿造的8盎司杯中含有250毫克的咖啡因。
Because of these inherent flavor characteristics, professionals do not consider Robusta among thebest coffee beans。Therefore, they often use it for low-end applications, like cheap pre-ground or instant coffee.
There is a theory that because Robusta is grown for these applications, it isn’t processed with the same care as Arabica. This cycle keeps Robusta from achieving its full flavor potential, according to the Coffee Quality Insitute (2).
Robusta is often overlooked because of its traditionally unfavorable cupping quality, which traces directly to the way it is processed.
Farmers are growing enthusiasm for high-end Robusta, which could fetch higher prices while maintaining the advantages of the harder plants. So, don’t expect to see a blonde Robusta coffee at your local Starbucks anytime soon.
This video offers a fascinating look into the potential of Robusta beans:
Robusta beans do find their way into specialty coffee shops in the form of espresso blends. Blending Arabica and Robusta takes advantage of the best properties of both to produce a delicious espresso that is more than the sum of its parts. The complex flavors and sweetness of the Arabica are enhanced by the heavy body, creamy mouthfeel, and rich crema of the Robusta.
Robusta vs. Arabica
Many things distinguish Robusta vs Arabica beans. At the farm level, Robusta coffee is much easier to grow. It can handle a broader range of temperatures, does not require high elevation, and is more resistant to pests and diseases.
关于加工，阿拉比卡豆往往会更加仔细地采摘，分类和洗涤，这是因为Robusta Bean注定要用于不需要相同质量的更便宜的应用。加工和干燥的鲁布斯塔豆比阿拉比卡豆更小，更圆。
最后，杯子有所不同。阿拉比卡咖啡比鲁特斯塔更甜美，更酸，并且具有更复杂的口味。
To learn more about Arabica coffee, read this article:What are Arabica coffee beans?
FAQs
Many countries produce both Robusta and Arabica coffee beans, though most prioritize one over the other. Brazil, Indonesia, and India all produce substantial quantities of both varieties of coffee.
Robusta has more caffeine than Arabica. An 8-ounce brewed cup of Robusta coffee has approximately 250 mg of caffeine compared with about 100 mg for 8 ounces of brewed Arabica coffee.
参考
- Bean Scene Magazine. (2020, June 23). Robusta coffee more sensitive to climate change than previously thought. Retrieved from https://www.beanscenemag.com.au/robusta-coffee-sensitive-climate-change/
- Hedlund, D. (2022, February 1). Can Fine Robusta Be Considered Quality Coffee? Retrieved from https://www.eraofwe.com/coffee-lab/en/articles/can-fine-robusta-be-considered-quality-coffee
