Robusta and arabica are main coffee beans   Refracted Moments

What is Robusta Coffee?

Robusta is one of two coffee species that are grown commercially, and makes up approximately one third of the world’s coffee production. Robusta coffee beans come from the species of coffee plant called coffea canephora or coffea robusta that originated in west and central Africa but is now also grown in parts of South America, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Mature, it is a multi-trunked tree or shrub that un-pruned can reach 30 feet in height. Of the two coffee species, robusta tolerates lower elevations, a hotter climate, is more pest and disease resistant than other species, and has a higher yield of cherries, making it easier to grow and less expensive. It is the least expensive coffee on the market.

Why is Arabica Coffee Considered Better Than Robusta?

So with all its pluses—why does robusta only account for 30% of coffee production? Most people prefer the flavor of arabica coffee. Robusta has more robust, bitter taste but less actual flavor than arabica, the species that makes up the other 70% of commercial coffee. The beans are smaller than arabica but contain as much as 50% more caffeine, and the fragrance and flavor is more earthy and grain-like. Robusta is used primarily as filler in blends and in most instant coffees. Much of the standard canned supermarket coffee is robusta or a robusta blend, and the higher quality beans are also used in Italian espresso blends.
 

Robusta is used in espresso blends    luke-sz

Robusta is Not Inferior - it is Different

It is important to note that robusta is not inferior to arabica--it is different. Grade is what determines inferiority and superiority in coffee beans, and there are all grades of both species of coffee. Demand due to consumer taste preference is what determines the market share of arabica vs. robusta coffee.

In 2007 Kraft Foods announced the removal of robusta beans
from their top coffee brand, Maxwell House, a move that reflected the change in consumer demand. With the expanding availability of varietal arabica coffees on the market and the popularity of specialty coffeehouses, consumers’ taste in coffee is growing increasingly sophisticated. There will continue to be demand for coffea canephora, however, as its robust nature and strength of finish enhances the flavor profile of arabica blends for those who love their coffee strong.

For more information about coffea canephora - robusta coffee - be sure to read Coffee--About the Coffee Tree...

Sources:
coffeeresearch.org
Coffee canephora
 

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Mary Ann Lien
Midland Food Examiner – Dallas edition