Robusta Beans

Robusta’s Speed Secret: Why Dark Roasts Need a Finer Grind

Robusta’s Speed Secret: Why Dark Roasts Need a Finer Grind

⏱ 1 min read The Short Version Robusta’s rapid solubles demand a much finer grind for dark roasts, overriding roast level adjustments to achieve proper extraction. This reveals how bean chemistry, not just roast depth, dictates extraction speed. In This Article Robusta’s Solubles: The Unseen AccelerantRoast Level’s Double-Edged Sword The data speaks volumes: Robusta’s presence in a blend significantly influences extraction speed, often overriding roast level adjustments. A recent session refining Hannoversche Kaffeemanufaktur’s Espresso Furioso demonstrated that Robusta content can dominate extraction behavior, even when roast levels are precisely controlled. Using a dark roast, Arabica/Robusta blend, and drum-roasted Italian style,…
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The 1990s McDonald’s Coffee Mystery, Solved

The 1990s McDonald’s Coffee Mystery, Solved

⏱ 1 min read The Short Version The 1990s McDonald's coffee, known for its intense, burnt-sugar bitterness, is now rare, with modern dark roasts like Yuban or Hills Bros. offering closest approximations. Replicating its unique flavor requires a specific roast and brewing method, but a perfect match remains elusive. In This Article The Search for a MatchBeyond the Blend If you're seeking the bold, burnt-sugar intensity of 1990s McDonald's coffee, you're not just chasing a memory—you're tapping into a distinct flavor profile that shaped an era. This isn’t about nostalgia alone; it’s about understanding the chemistry behind a specific kind…
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