Robusta coffee is considered a lower grade than the arabica coffee we sell, and is used in most of the world's non gourmet coffee products. Need a jolt? - Caffeine is bitter, and robusta typically has double the caffeine of arabica coffee, and has flavors described as funky, earthy, rich, and thick. It is often used in a 50/50 blend to make espresso coffee, as its thickness adds to the creama espresso is famous for. Our robusta is currently from Nicaragua.
You can be the first to ask a questions.
Updated Review
After experimenting with these beans for a few months, I have come to the conclusion that you can make a decent cup of coffee, especially espresso, under certain conditions. Roasting notes: Since robusta tends to be very dense, you will need slightly longer roasting times and higher temperatures to penetrate the beans. You also should avoid doing lighter roasts, or else the beans will have the unmistakable "airline coffee" flavor. I roasted to full city, gradual increase to 440F over 8.5 minutes. Full city is where this coffee shines, anything less and you get plastic/sunflower off flavors. Tasting and brewing: If you choose the espresso route, which is what I did, you will notice that this coffee has TONS of body and crema, which will cascade like a freshly poured nitro stout. The coffee has little to no flavor complexity, low sweetness; similar rustic flavors to that of a Yemen Mokha. Not bad!
Great price, don't expect great coffee
I can confirm that this is in fact a stereotypical robusta: it has sunflower-like flavors and high amounts of bitterness when roasted at lighter levels akin to burnt rubber. The caffeine levels are also very high. One thing i noticed was that first crack was almost non-existent with these beans. Just be forewarned that you might hear a pop or two, but that's it. This coffee is perfect for blends and or darker roasts, or milk drinks. These beans are also great for seasoning new burrs or practicing your roasting skills, or if you're dying to find out what the flavor profile of a robusta is like.
Great Stuff
Bought one bag to try out. Great flavor and aroma. I would say mild, no bitterness. Didn't seem to get to the second crack during roasting and the final beans were not glistening. Will purchase again.
Blends Quite Well
I blended this with Columbia and made a really good, medium roast coffee that will make your hair stand on end.