Robusta Coffee: The pros and cons
Robusta Coffee: Pros and Cons
We are going to take a break from design and discuss COFFEE. The life fuel of all designers. It so happens that Gringoface Designs works with many brands in the coffee industry. It’s our CIRCLE OF [design] LIFE.
Robusta beans possess a unique flavor profile and characteristics that makes them stand out in the world of coffee. They are grown only in Africa, Vietnam, and India. Unlike the more widely-known and used Arabica, Robusta beans boast a stronger flavor profile, with earthy and woody notes that provide a rich and full-bodied taste. They also contain nearly double the amount of caffeine, making them an excellent choice for those seeking an extra kick of energy. Known for their high resistance to diseases and pests, Robusta beans thrive in lower altitudes and humid conditions. Robusta is becoming more popular with some of the leading brands highlighting their capabilities. While this all sounds great, there are a few less attractive components to consider.
Pros:
1. High Caffeine Content: Robusta coffee is known for its significantly higher caffeine content compared to Arabica coffee. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a potent kick of caffeine to start their day or to stay alert during long working hours. The higher caffeine content can provide a strong energy boost and help improve overall productivity.
2. Affordability and Accessibility: Robusta coffee tends to be more affordable compared to Arabica coffee. This is primarily due to its robust nature, which allows it to be grown in a wider variety of climates and at lower altitudes. This makes Robusta coffee readily available in many regions around the world, making it accessible to a larger population and a popular choice for everyday consumption.
3. Robust and Bitter Flavor: Robusta coffee is characterized by its robust and bitter flavor profile. This flavor profile makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more intense and strong coffee taste. The bitterness of Robusta coffee can be balanced out by mixing it with milk or other ingredients, allowing for versatile and creative coffee recipes.
So if they are this excellent, why are they not widely used? Here you go…
Cons:
1. Lower Quality Taste: While the robust flavor of Robusta coffee can be desirable for some, it is generally considered to be of lower quality compared to Arabica coffee. The strong and bitter taste of Robusta coffee can sometimes come across as harsh, lacking the nuanced and delicate flavors associated with Arabica coffee. This makes it less appealing for those who appreciate a more refined coffee experience.
2. Harsher Acidity: Robusta coffee tends to have a higher acidity level compared to Arabica coffee. This higher acidity can result in a harsher and more acidic taste, which might not be enjoyable for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those prone to acid reflux. The harsh acidity can also overpower the flavors and aromas present in the coffee, reducing the overall drinking experience.
3. Limited Complexity: Robusta coffee beans generally possess a simpler flavor profile compared to Arabica coffee. This lack of complexity can make the drinking experience monotonous for those who enjoy exploring the diverse range of flavors and undertones found in specialty coffees. The limited complexity of Robusta coffee may make it less appealing for coffee connoisseurs who seek a more nuanced and diverse taste experience.
Now that you have the pros and cons of this unique, lesser known coffee bean - here are some recommendations.
We’ll get into the reasons why you should give them a try in greater detail a bit later (with a breakdown of their branding), but these are the top three brands of Robusta Coffee we’ve tried:
Death Wish Coffee Company: They are the BIGGEST and BOLDEST claimer of the WORLD’S STRONGEST COFFEE. Their entire branding is something to admire. From their bold in your face designs, to their bold punch you in your mouth coffee. Death Wish uses a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans - which provides a magician’s formula of high caffeine, yet a smooth drinking coffee. If you want to ease yourself into the Robusta world, start with Death Wish Coffee Company. [Click here to head over to their website]
Nguyen Coffee Supply: Here is a success story to tell. Vietnamese-owned, Sahra Nguyen, grown in Vietnam and roasted in Brooklyn, NY - Nguyen Coffee Supply is making a huge entrance to the coffee industry. Graded as a Specialty Coffee (which isn’t common for Robusta coffee), they’ve obtained partnerships with many leading retailers, such as select Whole Foods stores. Nguyen Coffee Supply gets our recommendation for that premium extra caffeine you need. Their packaging design is also - premium. We’ll get into that on another day. NOW NGUYEN COFFEE SUPPLY IS SOLD AT IN SELECT TARGET STORES.
Black Insomnia Coffee: As they say, “SLEEPING IS CHEATING” - Black Insomnia Coffee is purely Robusta beans, and EXTREME CAFFEINE. This was the first brand we’ve tried on our quest for the strongest coffee. It is bold and just the ticket to get as much work as you physically can done. As with the characteristcs of Robusta beans, it may be bitter but holds up well to creamer and flavoring. I wish I had some while writing these blogs, I’d have a year’s worth of content done in 30 minutes. If you are just starting out with trying Robusta coffee - drink half of your normal allowance before chugging down the pot. [Click here to head over to Black Insomnia Coffee]
Well, that is it. The pros and cons of Robusta Coffee - and a few recommendations. Do you have another brand of Robusta that is excellent? Give us a shout on Instagram and we’ll share your recommendation.
All reviews were unsolicited, and purchased solely for our own consumption with no promises for a review (positive or negative).
Gringoface Designs - We’ll drink it. We’ll design it.
