Interesting Facts About Robusta Coffee

Robusta beans are different from Arabica beans

The first difference between Robusta and Arabica coffee is the shape of the beans. If you pay attention, Robusta coffee beans tend to be round, while Arabica coffee beans are more oval. In terms of size, Robusta coffee is usually smaller than Arabica coffee.

Robusta beans are easy to care for and grow

The next difference between Robusta and Arabica coffee is the planting process. Robusta coffee tends to be easier to grow because it can grow in the lowlands, is resistant to hot weather, and is also resistant to pests and diseases. Thus, it is not surprising that Robusta coffee plantations in Indonesia are larger than Arabica coffee which can only grow at lower temperatures such as on top of a mountain with sufficient water content. Bearing in mind that Arabica coffee can only grow at temperatures of 18-22°C, therefore Arabica coffee can only grow in certain places in Indonesia.

Regarding the plant, Robusta coffee can grow up to 4.5-6 meters, while Arabica can only reach a height of 2.5-4.5 meters.

Robusta coffee is stronger and more bitter

The shape is different, but does the taste differ too? Of course yes!

In terms of bitterness level, Robusta coffee has a more bitter taste than Arabica coffee, this happens because Robusta coffee has a lower sugar content and 2.2% higher caffeine than Arabica coffee.

In terms of taste, Robusta coffee tastes strong and bitter, while Arabica coffee has a varied taste. Arabica coffee is softer and has a hint of fruity taste with the taste of fruit, nuts, and seeds which makes the taste very diverse.

Processing Robusta Coffee Beans Is Easier

Once picked, processing Robusta coffee beans tends to be easier, only by removing the skin and drying it in the oven, in contrast to Arabica coffee which is more sensitive. After picked, Arabica coffee needs to be pulped, fermented, dried in the sun until dry, open the skin, and dried naturally using sunlight, because using an oven can change the taste of Arabica coffee itself.

Robusta coffee can be enjoyed straight away or processed first

Robusta and Arabica coffee can both be enjoyed straight away. However, for other drink creations such as Lattes, Iced Coffee with Milk, and other modified drinks, it is usually more suitable to use Robusta coffee because Arabica coffee already has its own taste, with its original sweet taste and also a unique fruity taste, while the cream and milk can balance the bitter taste of Robusta coffee.

So, now that you know the difference between Robusta and Arabica coffee, you can choose the one that is most suitable for you to brew. For those of you who prefer the taste of Robusta coffee, you can try NESCAFÉ Classic to make your own coffee at home, either brewed directly or processed into Iced Coffee Milk, Frappe, and other coffee drinks.