Robusta Coffee: What it is, Origin and Properties

They exist in the world various types of coffee beans which give rise to that wonderful drink capable of warming hearts and cold mornings alike. Coffee is an essential part of a large number of cultures around the planet, and its different types can tell us a lot about those who consume them.

If we ask ourselves whatThis is robusta coffee, we talk about the second most widespread variety Globally: of every ten cups of coffee put in the world right now, four are robusta coffee.

What is robusta coffee?

Robusta coffee, scientific name Coffea canephora, is one of the most used and produced coffee species. In fact, it represents almost the 40% of production coffee world.

One of its greatest assets, in addition to its characteristic flavor and aroma more intense, is that it is a coffee tree with a more economical and stable production than the Arabica variety due to the characteristics of the coffee tree, which also It is usually grown at lower altitudes, which also leads to a more affordable price and the development of its grain, which is denser and has a characteristic flavor.

It must be taken into account, however, that the vast majority of coffees that are marketed as robusta are not 100% of this variety, as its flavor is too intense for this and is usually mixed.

Origin of robusta coffee

The coffeeé robusta is native to Africa, specifically from the former Belgian Congo. Its plantation would extend from the year 1900 throughout the entire African continent, especially through Central and Western Africa, until it crossed its borders to reach Southeast Asia and areas of South America.

This coffee tree comes, specifically, from the tropical forests near the crescent of the almost mythical Lake Victoria, which has taught us so much about our origins.

Starting in the 20th century, robusta coffee began to be produced in largest scale in Southeast Asia, because a major leaf rust infestation wiped out crops in Java and Ceylon.

Characteristics of the robusta coffee tree

In general, robusta coffee, being one of the most used varieties for coffee consumption, it is compared with the most valued variety and, therefore, also most cultivated: Arabica coffee. Taking this into account we can say what its main characteristics are to differentiate its cultivation.

The robusta coffee tree is much larger than the arabica coffee tree. Likewise, and for this reason, Their growth is much faster and they resistte, both to pests and diseases and to climate variations.

The plant has large, wide, pale green leaves that are quite characteristic, as well as its white flowers that give off a pleasant aroma. Likewise, compared to the Arabica coffee plant, the Robusta requires a cross pollinationa, since it cannot be pollinated with its own pollen, to reproduce.

As for the fruit, Arabica coffee has smaller coffee cherries but more numerous than the Arabica variety. These mature after about 10 or 11 months, specifically two months longer than in the case of Arabica coffee.

Finally, one of the reasons why it is one of the most cultivated varieties of coffee, the robusta coffee tree produces coffee more constantly and for a longer period of time, which makes it one of the most profitable varieties.

In Incapto we have the Strong Blend Coffee, a coffee that is 20% robusta. It is a perfect blend for lovers of more intense and bitter coffee.

Properties of robusta coffee

Now that you start to have a good foundation about robusta coffee, especially in terms of origin and cultivation, You will be able to assess the properties of this variety of coffee for your daily consumption.

An important point when purchasing robusta coffee is that, unlike Arabica, you will not be able to purchase a product that is based on 100% robusta in its preparation and there is an explanation for this. This is because the flavor of robusta coffee It's very intense, Once ground, it is usually mixed to avoid that dense and earthy touch. Another fundamental reason why robusta coffee is always presented as a blend is its high concentration of caffeine; no less than 2.5%.

However, robusta is one of the most used varieties when preparing espresso, cappuccino and even latte, thanks to its ease of producing what is known as coffee cream.

Robusta coffee has, as we have already mentioned, a much more intense flavor which can be something strong or too bitter depending on the type of palate.

Finally, this variety is generally considered to be of poorer quality because it usually contains heavy metals, which are not beneficial for the body. For this reason, it is always recommended to ensure that the proportion of robusta coffee does not, in any case, represent more than 20% of the total mix of robust coffee.

Anyway, in Incapto we advocate for Arabica coffee consumption above Robusta for several reasons:

• Arabica contains less caffeine than robusta.
• Its flavor is sweeter, thanks to the amount of natural sugar it contains.
• It is richer in essential oils and, therefore, more nutritious.
• Arabica coffee is richer in antioxidants, making it healthier for the body.
• Among other reasons.