Discover the Best Robusta Coffee in Kenya: Top Brands and Where to Buy
Robusta Coffee in Kenya is gaining recognition for its bold flavor and higher caffeine content compared to Arabica. While Kenya is traditionally known for its Arabica coffee, Robusta Coffee in Kenya is becoming an increasingly popular choice among coffee producers and consumers alike.
With its unique flavor profile and resilience in lower altitudes, Robusta coffee offers an exciting alternative to the more common varieties and is carving out a distinct place in Kenya’s vibrant coffee culture.
What Is Robusta Coffee?
Robusta coffee is one of the two primary coffee species grown for commercial production, with the other being Arabica. Robusta coffee in Kenya is known for its bold, robust flavor profile and higher caffeine content compared to Arabica. The coffee beans are typically smaller, rounder, and have a thicker skin, giving them a more bitter taste. Unlike Arabica beans, which are grown at higher altitudes, Robusta coffee in Kenya thrives in lowland regions and is more resistant to pests and diseases.
Robusta coffee is often used in espresso blends due to its strong flavor and ability to create a thick crema, the frothy layer that forms on top of the coffee when brewed under pressure.
Why Is Robusta Coffee Popular in Kenya?
Robusta coffee is gaining popularity in Kenya due to several factors. Traditionally, Kenya is known for its high-quality Arabica coffee, but Robusta has become increasingly attractive due to its resilience and lower cost of production.
Robusta beans are hardy and can be cultivated in a wider range of climates, especially in lowland areas where Arabica doesn’t thrive. Furthermore, Robusta coffee’s higher caffeine content makes it popular among those who prefer a stronger, more intense coffee experience.
In Kenya, where coffee is deeply ingrained in the culture, Robusta coffee in Kenya provides an alternative to Arabica for those who enjoy bolder, more robust flavors. It’s also a key part of the local coffee market, with many coffee producers exploring ways to cultivate it alongside Arabica to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
How Robusta Coffee Differs from Arabica Coffee
Robusta and Arabica are the two most common types of coffee beans, but they differ significantly in several aspects, such as taste, growing conditions, and caffeine content.
Flavor Profile
Robusta Coffee in Kenya has a stronger, more bitter flavor compared to Arabica. It often features earthy, woody, and slightly astringent notes, while Arabica beans tend to have smoother, sweeter, and more complex flavor profiles with fruity or floral undertones.
Caffeine Content
Robusta beans have nearly twice the caffeine content of Arabica beans. This higher caffeine content gives Robusta coffee a stronger, more intense taste and makes it an excellent choice for those looking for an energizing cup.
Growing Conditions
Robusta Coffee in Kenya is generally grown at lower altitudes (below 2,000 feet) and is more resistant to pests and diseases, making it easier and cheaper to cultivate. On the other hand, Arabica coffee requires higher altitudes and more specific growing conditions, which make it more susceptible to environmental factors.
Shape and Size
Robusta beans are typically smaller and rounder than Arabica beans, with a more pronounced bitterness due to their higher caffeine content and lower sugar levels.
The Best Robusta Coffee Brands in Kenya
Kenya is primarily known for its Arabica coffee, but Robusta coffee is gaining ground with local farmers and producers focusing on this variety. Some of the best Robusta coffee brands in Kenya include:
1- Kenya Robusta Coffee by Java House: Java House is one of Kenya’s most well-known coffee chains and offers Robusta coffee beans sourced from local farms. Their Robusta beans are carefully roasted to retain the rich, full-bodied flavor that distinguishes this coffee.
2- Mumias Sugar Company Robusta Coffee: Mumias Sugar Company, better known for sugar production, has also ventured into coffee production. They provide high-quality Robusta coffee beans sourced from various smallholder farms across the region.
3- Kericho Gold Robusta Coffee: Known for its high-quality Arabica coffee, Kericho Gold also offers Robusta coffee options. Their Robusta beans are often praised for their deep, earthy flavor and rich aroma.
4- Ruiru 11 Robusta Coffee: Ruiru 11 is a hybrid variety that combines both Arabica and Robusta traits, making it suitable for a wider range of growing conditions. It’s becoming increasingly popular in Kenyan coffee markets due to its balance of flavor and resilience.
Health Benefits of Drinking Robusta Coffee
Drinking Robusta coffee provides several health benefits, largely due to its higher caffeine content and rich antioxidant properties. Some of the key benefits include:
Boosts Mental Alertness
The higher caffeine content in Robusta coffee helps improve concentration and mental clarity, making it an excellent choice for those who need an energy boost throughout the day.
Increases Metabolism
Caffeine is a known metabolism booster, and Robusta’s higher caffeine content may help in burning fat more effectively, supporting weight loss efforts.
Improves Physical Performance
Caffeine can enhance athletic performance by increasing endurance and reducing perceived effort. Robusta coffee is a great option for athletes or those who need an extra push during workouts.
Antioxidant Properties
Robusta coffee, like all coffee, is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.
Where to Buy Robusta Coffee in Kenya
If you’re looking to buy Robusta coffee in Kenya, there are several options, both online and in physical stores. Some recommended places to buy Robusta coffee in Kenya include:
- Coffeehouseke.com – Offers a variety of Robusta coffee beans and blends, available for both wholesale and retail purchase.
- Jumia Kenya – An online marketplace where you can find various Robusta coffee brands, delivered directly to your doorstep.
- Local Farmers’ Markets – Many regions in Kenya, particularly around coffee-growing areas like Kiambu and Murang’a, have local markets where you can buy freshly harvested Robusta coffee directly from farmers.
- Carrefour and Naivas – These supermarket chains offer coffee beans from various local brands, including Robusta varieties.
Price Comparison of Robusta Coffee vs. Other Coffee Varieties
The price of Robusta coffee in Kenya tends to be more affordable compared to Arabica coffee due to its lower production costs and higher yield per hectare. On average, you can expect to pay:
- Robusta Coffee: Around KSh 400 to KSh 1,500 per kilogram, depending on the brand and quality.
- Arabica Coffee: Typically priced between KSh 1,000 to KSh 3,000 per kilogram, due to its more labor-intensive cultivation process and specialized growing conditions.
While Robusta coffee may be more budget-friendly, Arabica coffee is often favored for its smoother taste and complexity. However, the growing interest in Robusta is driving prices down, making it a more accessible option for Kenyan consumers.
How to Brew Robusta Coffee for the Best Flavor
To brew Robusta coffee for the best flavor, follow these steps:
Use Fresh Beans: Grind your Robusta coffee beans just before brewing to retain the flavor. Use a burr grinder for a consistent grind size.
- Brewing Method: For Robusta, a French press or espresso machine works well, as these methods extract the strong, bold flavors effectively. If using an espresso machine, aim for a fine grind.
- Water Temperature: Robusta coffee requires water that is slightly hotter than Arabica coffee, ideally around 200°F (93°C), to extract the full-bodied flavors and richness.
- Brew Time: Robusta coffee benefits from a longer extraction time. For espresso, aim for about 25-30 seconds for the perfect shot.
Adjust the Grind and Amount: Robusta coffee can be more bitter, so experiment with the grind size and coffee-to-water ratio to balance the flavor to your liking.
Customer Reviews: Best Robusta Coffee in Kenya
Kenyan coffee lovers have started to appreciate Robusta coffee for its bold flavor and affordability. Brands like Kericho Gold and Java House have received positive reviews for their Robusta blends, especially those that cater to customers who prefer a strong, energizing coffee. The coffee is praised for its deep, earthy flavor and high caffeine content, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more robust cup of coffee.
FAQs About Robusta Coffee in Kenya
What’s the difference between Robusta and Arabica coffee?
Robusta coffee has a stronger, more bitter flavor with higher caffeine content, while Arabica coffee is known for its smoother, sweeter taste and lower caffeine content.
Where can I buy Robusta coffee in Kenya?
Robusta coffee can be bought from online stores like Coffeehouseke.com, local supermarkets such as Carrefour and Naivas, or directly from coffee farms in areas like Murang’a and Kiambu.
Is Robusta coffee cheaper than Arabica?
Yes, Robusta coffee is generally more affordable due to its lower production costs and higher yield compared to Arabica.
Can Robusta coffee be brewed using the same methods as Arabica?
Yes, Robusta can be brewed using methods like French press, espresso machine, or pour-over, though it may require slightly higher water temperatures and a coarser grind.
Ready to try Robusta coffee in Kenya? Visit Coffeehouse to explore a wide variety of Robusta coffee beans and enjoy a bold, flavorful cup today