Hương vị cà phê Robusta Việt Nam - Thư viện Sanh Nhiên

What Creates the Flavor of Vietnamese Robusta Coffee?

From ancient times to the present, when mentioning Robusta, people often think of its unforgettable rich flavor. Using pure Robusta coffee not only brings delicious flavor but also is better for health. Do you know what creates this unique flavor? Let's explore with Sanh Nhien the characteristics that make pure Robusta coffee special!

What is Robusta coffee?

Robusta, scientifically known as Coffea Robusta, or Coffea Canephora, is commonly known as Robusta coffee. Originating from the Republic of Congo, this coffee was originally found growing wild in West and Central Africa before being widely cultivated in Africa, such as Liberia, Tanzania and Angola.

Robusta coffee beans - Sanh Nhien library
Robusta coffee was introduced to Vietnam in 1875 by the French - Photo: Internet

Robusta coffee was introduced to Vietnam in 1875 by the French and was initially grown mainly in the northern provinces of Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Son La and Nghe An. Later, with more favorable climate and soil conditions, Robusta was grown in the Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Lam Dong.

Characteristics of Robusta coffee

Robusta coffee beans are round in shape, about 10-13 mm in diameter and dark brown in color. The caffeine content in Robusta ranges from 3-4%, higher than Arabica which only accounts for 1-2%.

Vietnam Robusta Coffee Beans - Sanh Nhien Library

Robusta coffee beans are round in shape, about 10-13 mm in diameter, and dark brown in color - Photo: Internet

Robusta prefers areas with abundant rainfall and sunlight. The ideal temperature for its growth is 24-29 degrees Celsius, and it thrives at altitudes below 1000 meters, most commonly 850-900 meters. Robusta prefers fertile red basalt soil.

The taste of pure Robusta coffee

Pure Robusta coffee is popular for its strong flavor and distinctive aroma. Robusta is typically more astringent and bitter than Arabica, which comes from the dry processing method commonly used for Robusta.
In addition, pure Robusta coffee beans contain a lot of Chlorogenic Acid (CGA), creating a characteristic bitter taste. Although Robusta has twice the acid content of Arabica, it does not cause a sour feeling, but is more bitter. With twice the caffeine content, the combination of Robusta and Arabica creates a harmonious product that many people love.
Roasted Robusta coffee beans - Sanh Nhien library
Dry processing method is often applied to Robusta - Photo: Internet

Robusta coffee growing areas in Vietnam

Vietnam has many diverse Robusta coffee growing regions, but Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak are the most famous locations. With red basalt soil and suitable climate, this region specializes in coffee cultivation, including the districts of Ea Ao, Etam, Tan Loi, Cu Mgar, Krong Ana. Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Son La are also good Robusta coffee growing regions, each region brings a distinct flavor due to the difference in soil.

Vietnam coffee growing regions - Sanh Nhien library
Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Son La are regions that grow delicious Robusta coffee - Photo: Internet

How to prepare and enjoy Robusta coffee

After harvesting, Robusta beans are dried and roasted according to standard procedures. Pure Robusta coffee can be enjoyed by brewing with a filter or by machine.

For the phin method, coffee grounds are placed in the phin and pressed lightly. Hot water is then added and allowed to permeate through the coffee beans.

Vietnamese filter coffee - Sanh Nhien library
Filter coffee is one of the traditional drinks of Vietnamese people - Photo: Internet

Choose pure Robusta coffee

Coffee lovers often choose pure Robusta coffee because of its rich flavor and health benefits. Enjoying pure coffee also brings satisfaction and an interesting experience to the drinker. Robusta coffee beans at Sanh Nhien are selected and roasted by hand, without any flavoring.

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