What is Robusta Coffee?

–Top 10 Robusta vs. Arabica Differences –

There are over one hundred species of coffee in the world.

Arabica coffee has become the most popular one.

But just shortly after follows the second most popular coffee in the world.

Originating from central and western sub-Saharan Africa, the Robusta coffee bean makes up 40% of the entire world’s coffee production.

Surely, there are many good reasons why it has become this dominant.

However, many times, people regard the Robusta coffee as the cheaper and less delicious Arabica version.

But, is this actually true and justified?

What exactly is Robusta Coffee? How does it taste like? And, where can we find it?

In this article, we will answer all of these questions.

Additionally, we will also of course highlight all similarities and differences between Robusta and Arabica coffee.

Let’s get started.

Here is everything you need to know about Robusta Coffee.

What is Robusta Coffee?

Robusta is largely grown in the Eastern Hemisphere, mainly in Africa and South East Asia.

The largest worldwide producer is Vietnam.

Technically speaking, the Robusta is a species of a flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae.

Coffea Robusta has widely become the synonym for its original, scientific term and classification, namely Coffea Canephora.

Actually, Coffea Canephora has two main coffee varieties, Coffea Robusta and Nganda. Nowadays, both varieties are commonly referred to as Robusta Coffee in general.

Instant coffee and various espresso blends often use Robusta.

So, if you are planning on making a coffee at home and you are using Robusta beans. The best method to bring out the full potential is an espresso shot.

Robusta Coffee Plant

The little plant is known to be very resilient.

That is actually the main difference and key advantage compared to the Arabica plant.

It can withstand hot temperatures (30 Celcius and over) and full sun exposure. In order to survive these harsher conditions, the plant likes to stay properly hydrated.

Robusta requires a lot of water to be happy and healthy.

Unlike the Arabica, it already grows at low altitudes such as from sea level to 600 meters. In addition, it is widely resistant to insects and bacteria.

Therefore, Robusta needs much less herbicides and pesticides than Arabica.

Wild plants grow around 10 meters tall. However, commercial plants are usually kept around 5 meters. This just makes it easier to harvest them more efficiently.

Its flowers are white and smell like jasmine.

The fruit of the Robusta coffee plant turns deep red as it ripens. To be ready for harvest, it takes around 6 to 8 months.

Not all of the fruit ripen at the exact same time. You can find ripe and unripe coffee berries on the same plant and even branches.

Therefore, the best sorting method is still manual hand picking until this day.

Of course, many coffee plantations also use harvesting and sorting machines. But even then, skilled coffee farmers will go through and sort out unripe beans after.

Usually, there are two oval-shaped coffee beans, called seeds, inside each cherry, or ripe berry.

These beans will further be dried, roasted, traded and consumed around the world.

How Does Robusta Coffee Taste Like?

Robusta coffee tastes earthy.

Coffee drinkers often say that is has a bitter, rubbery to grain-like flavor. On top, there is also a peanut-like aftertaste.

In general, Robusta coffee beans contain more caffeine and less sugar.

As a result, the taste is stronger and harsher than Arabica.

Is Robusta Coffee Any Good?

At this point, you might wonder if Robusta actually tastes good.

Yes and no.

It would not dominate almost half of the entire coffee market, if it were not any good at all.

In fact, especially high-quality Robusta can almost equally compete with Arabica. Better standard certainly adds more depth to the usual Robusta flavor.

Robusta is also often used to mix many popular blends with Arabica. Especially for espresso, you can achieve a nice crema with various blends.

Many baristas and coffee makers actually prefer Robusta for espressos. This is because of the extra flavor it potentially adds to the drink.

However, lower-quality coffee is often labelled as tasting kind of like burnt rubber.

As with many things in life, there is no real good and bad.

The same can be said when it comes to Robusta and its characteristic flavors. Some may like it and others may not.

So, if you like harsher, more earthy flavor notes. You will probably like a little Robusta in your coffee blend.

Especially when you fancy a nice, thick crema on your espresso. Then high-quality Robusta might be the right choice for you.

Just give it a try.

Feel free to your share coffee experience with us, if you like.

How Much Caffeine is in Robusta?

Caffeine is one of the main reasons why many people rely on their daily cup of coffee.

The energy boost kick helps to get us through our day.

Did you know that Robusta naturally has twice the amount of caffeine than Arabica?

Yes, you have heard right.

In fact, it is the higher caffeine content that makes the Robusta plant more resilient. It is also the higher caffeine content, that gives Robusta a more bitter flavor.

Quite interestingly, potential pests and plant diseases don’t like bitter flavor.

And, the disease also does not like the Robusta’s antimicrobial properties.

Where Can we Find Robusta Coffee?

As we learned already, Robusta mostly grows in the Eastern Hemisphere.

But, you can also find certain Robusta varieties coming from South and Central America.

The top producers in Asia are Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and the Philippines.

In Africa, the largest producers are the Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Guinea, Cameroon and Uganda.

And, the top Latin American players are Brazil and Guatemala.

If you buy any coffee and one of these above countries is mentioned on your bag of coffee. It is very likely that there may be some Robusta in the mix.

Unless your coffee says 100% Arabica, of course.

Especially if you taste a bitter or smoky flavor, chances of Robusta in your mix are very high.

Usually, coffee producers like to add some Robusta to Arabica bags as a filler. The reason is very simple. It helps saving costs.

Robusta vs. Arabica

Since there was so much talk about these two coffee types already.

It is time to take a closer look.

What are the notable main differences between these two main coffee contenders?

Here is a complete overview.

Top 10 Robusta vs. Arabica Differences

1. Pollination

Robusta coffee needs to be cross-pollinated.

This means that Robusta blossoms need to be pollinated with some pollen from a plant with a different genetic composition.

It is usually happening with the help of wind and insects such as bees. Without this help, Robusta plants would not produce as many coffee seeds.

On the other hand, Arabica coffee is self-pollinating. But especially bee pollination can enhance its quantity and quality as well.

2. Maturity

Robusta coffee plants mature faster.

After 2 years, you can expect first fruits from Robusta plants. For Arabica, it typically takes around 4 years.

3. Caffeine

Robusta coffee has more caffeine.

We already highlighted this point. The Robusta coffee bean contains roughly twice as much caffeine as Arabica.

4. Taste

Robusta coffee tastes different.

It tastes more bitter than Arabica. This is also due to its higher caffeine content.

Additionally, Robusta is also higher in chlorogenic acid (CGA), which has a bitter flavor itself. Arabica has around 5.5 to 8% CGA. Robusta contains around 7 to 10%, which adds up to the bitter, overall flavor.

Furthermore, Robusta has about half the sugar content than Arabica. Again, this makes it more bitter.

Coffee drinkers commonly describe the taste of Robusta as following. It tastes earthy, harsh and grainy. You can further detect hints of burnt wood or rubber.

And, there is also an aftertaste of peanuts.

5. Resilience

Robusta coffee is more resilient.

It can certainly withstand high temperatures and does better in direct sun. Arabica prefers shady growing regions with more stable climates.

Any sudden climate changes can harm the Arabica plant much more.

Also and as mentioned already, Robusta is more pest and disease resistant. This is mostly due to its higher caffeine and chlorogenic acid content.

6. Production

Robusta coffee produces more.

Per commercial hectare, coffee farmers can produce more coffee with Robusta than Arabica.

This directly leads us to the next point.

7. Cost

Robusta coffee costs less.

Because it is more resilient, matures faster and produces more, Robusta is less costly to grow.

In addition, Arabica coffee is usually also more popular among coffee consumers. This typically forces Robusta coffee growers to sell their product cheaper.

Some coffee brands also mix their product with Robusta as a filler. This is to save overall costs. Because, less Arabica coffee has to be added into package then.

8. Beans

Robusta coffee beans are different in size and color.

Usually, its beans are smaller, thicker and rounder than Arabica beans. Additionally, they are also a bit darker when raw.

The leaves of Robusta coffee plants are larger though.

9. Origin

Robusta coffee grows in different regions.

Arabica coffee mainly grows in South America, with Brazil being the biggest producer. The Robusta coffee plant is more robust. It can basically grow in every tropical region.

10. Age

Robusta coffee is younger.

Arabica coffee was the first coffee type people were drinking. The story goes that sheep farmers found it in Ethiopia for the first time.

From there, it soon traveled to Yemen, where scholars first mentioned it and further began commercially utilizing it.

The Robusta coffee type was discovered around 100 years after the Arabica.

Which One is Better?

I am afraid that each one of us has to answer this question himself.

If you look at the world market and overall consumption, Arabica is the clear winner.

But it all depends on us and our own taste preferences.

Instant coffee lovers usually prefer Robusta coffee. Also many espresso enthusiasts like to work with it.

From an economic point of view, Robusta coffee might be cheaper in production. But Arabica coffee has higher demand and better profit return.

Eventually, there are different aspects that may speak in favor of Robusta coffee. And, others may speak against it.

Final Robusta Coffee Thoughts

What do you think?

Is Robusta or Arabica coffee better?

Do you like the earthy, smoky flavor of Robusta coffee?

One way or the other, also the Robusta deserves its well-earned spotlight. Its potential in terms flavor is still not entirely explored yet.

New coffee blends are in the making as we speak.

In fact, this is the whole beauty of our colorful coffee culture. There is so much great variety we can choose from and express our own coffee preferences.

Overall, coffee is a very popular beverage for many good reasons.

It has many great health benefits. Some would even say that it makes us happier and live longer.

Robusta coffee, in all of its own great varieties, certainly adds to our rich coffee universe.

Let us know what you think.

Until then, stay safe, healthy and properly caffeinated.

Cheers!