A NEW ERA FOR ROBUSTA:
CHALLENGING PERCEPTIONS, IMPROVING QUALITY
Coffea Canephora, commonly known as robusta, is an extraordinary coffee species with exceptional attributes. Originating from West and Sub-Saharan Africa, robusta has the distinction of being a parent of Coffea Arabica. Its nickname, robusta, perfectly reflects its bold and robust flavor profile, making it an appealing choice for coffee enthusiasts.
Beyond its distinctive taste, robusta's versatility shines through in its ability to thrive in a wider range of altitudes and produce higher crop yields compared to arabica coffee. Additionally, robusta exhibits greater resistance to diseases like coffee leaf rust, making it a hardy and reliable crop for coffee farmers.
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Despite its impressive qualities, robusta has often been relegated to a secondary role in the coffee industry, frequently used for instant coffees and as a filler in blends due to its perceived inferiority in flavor. This perception has translated to a sub-par reputation in the specialty coffee world. Nevertheless, a growing number of farmers worldwide have taken up the challenge of cultivating "fine" robusta - beans that score above 80 points on the Specialty Coffee Association's scale, akin to what qualifies as specialty arabica.
What sets fine robusta apart from instant coffees is the dedicated and meticulous practices followed by the farmers who grow it. Just like specialty arabica, fine robusta undergoes specific cultivation techniques that result in a high-quality bean. Yet, the challenge lies in dispelling the stigma that robusta is inherently inferior to arabica, which we truly believe is not the case.
At Heron Mark Coffee, we are on a mission to prove that robusta is worthy of appreciation and acclaim. We celebrate the fine robusta farmers and their dedication to producing exceptional beans. With every cup of fine robusta coffee, we invite you to join us in breaking the stereotype and discovering the hidden potential of this remarkable coffee variety. Together, let's elevate robusta to its rightful place in the specialty coffee world.