Award winning, single origin, bright and fruity. These are words that aren’t exclusive to Arabica beans, especially when we’re talking about Fine Robusta.
Usually grown in flat, expansive lowlands, Robusta is known for its rich, earthy and intense flavors. Nurtured and harvested at higher elevations, Arabica yields fruity flavors in lower quantities, fetching higher prices and prestige.
But what about Robusta that grows on higher ground? For example, at 960 MASL (meters above sea level) in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat. Winey, citrusy, with notes of dark chocolate and the essence of berries, it scored an impressive 86.45 in cupping.
These are the award winning beans of Reyjohn Basco, who earned the Top 1 Robusta recognition at the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition 2024. His coffee is part of the movement transforming the Philippine coffee industry.
According to the young and talented grower, beans qualify as Fine Robusta once they achieve a cupping score of at least 80, following green grading and roasting evaluation. He cites proper farm management and post-harvest processing as key factors in reaching this level.
“Expect less bitterness, more fruity flavors, and high acidity,” Basco said.
These are the same notes he recognized while serving as a judge at the Fine Robusta manual brewing competition hosted by Curve Coffee Collaborators during the recently held Manila Coffee Festival.
This is just one of many ways that this homegrown, authentically farm to cup brand empowers the local coffee community and, in turn, the industry.
With a network of farms and cafes across the country, both partner and company owned, Curve Coffee Collaborators is committed to discovering, nurturing and showcasing outstanding Philippine coffees. Their message is clear: Love Your Origin.
As the first ever Filipina certified as both a Q Arabica and Q Robusta Grader, Curve founder and CEO Cherry Cruz brings deep expertise to her work. With her extensive knowledge of coffee and market trends, she believes Robusta is poised for global relevance.
“Given the current world prices of coffee and because of climate change, Robusta is going to be the future,” Cruz said.
Robusta’s resilience in the face of climate change and its wide appeal to both casual drinkers and coffee connoisseurs give it a strong advantage moving forward.
If you haven’t tried Fine Robusta yet, now is a great time. Philippine grown and award winning, these coffees are worth discovering.