Robusta coffee was first discovered growing wild in the Belgian Congo. The name Robusta came from a Belgian horticultural house that marketed the coffee in the 20th century. Today, it is mainly grown in Vietnam, Brazil and Indonesia currently producing about 30% of the world’s coffee beans.
Robusta coffee comes from a specific plant called “Coffee Canephora”. It is cultivated at lower elevations on relatively flat plantations and requires less labor. It is easier to tend and has a higher yield than Arabica coffee. It's higher caffeine concentration works as a chemical defense, hence Robusta coffee plants are more resistant to pests and weather conditions. For all these reasons, Robusta coffee is cheaper to produce and have a more attractive price. In fact, it is around 40 to 50% lower than Arabica coffee.
A strong note, a strong body, and very little acidity characterize Robusta beans. They have a strong, harsh, burned and bitter taste, with a grain like an undertone. Due to its unpleasant taste, Robusta is usually found in instant coffee, yet some roasters used it to reduce costs and increase profits by adding it on their espresso blends.
At Cubico Coffee taste and the quality is essential, you will not find Robusta in any of our blends as a filler or cost reducer. Our coffees are 100% Arabica beans.