I've been guarding a secret all this time. At the risk of being shunned by my co-workers and loved ones, I'm going to bite the bullet and just say it: I like Robusta. (Dramatic pause for effect) Oh, come on, guys...We're still friends, right? I can explain.

I am well aware that Robusta has an inferior reputation, compared its celebrated Arabica cousin. It's everything coffee is not supposed to be, according to the experts: harsh, over-caffeinated, and lacking in flavor and aroma. It's the java nation's equivalent of a cheap date.

While Arabica and Robusta share a metaphorical family tree, they are two entirely different species of coffee. Genetically distinct, Robusta has 22 chromosomes, half the number found in Arabica beans. Robusta plants are also reputed to be hardier and easier to cultivate; perhaps a part of Arabica's allure stems from the plant's delicate nature--the fact that it is difficult to grow definitely contributes to the coffee's exclusive rep.

In the pre-super-automatic-espresso-machine days, most of the world's Robusta was grown by European colonies. As a result, France, Italy, and England became exposed to the beans (both Arabica and Robusta) on a regular basis. The United States, on the other hand, imported most of its java from Latin America--no Robusta there! Over time, American palates became accustomed to Arabica beans; this started a trend that would take Arabica to its place in world coffee dominance.

I can honestly say, I've only ever been exposed to 100% Robusta on my trips to Asia. Thailand, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines still have robust Robusta markets. My favorite cup of coffee, to date, has been filtered Vietnamese Robusta, served with condense milk. I've also heard a number of people, accustomed to Robusta, lament that Arabica is too weak. Certainly, Arabica is in no danger of loosing its prominence in world markets, I'm just saying I don't mind a little Robusta.

Alright, let me have it. What are your thoughts on Robusta?

p.s. The sentiments expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect Whole Latte Love's views. I fully expect to be banned from using the office Expobar!

Tho
Writing Department

I can't help but notice, it's been a while since my last  tech blog. In fact, I'm pretty sure the last time I wrote something, my shiny new iPhone G3 was only a glimmer of a possibility rather than the shiny distraction I may or may not have with me at all times. Many people attest that their most important brewing tool is their frothing pitcher, or a bottomless portafilter. I'm a little nerdier than that...I have to say it's my iPhone.

I'm crazy, you say? Crazy for technology, I say! Where else can I time my shot, practice grinding and tamping, or even locate a great cafe, all in one place?  I'll say it— for anything coffee, there's an app for that.

It seems, all sorts of companies are getting on the app bandwagon. Lots of these apps are free, and the rest won't cost more than $0.99 to download. The app that started it all for me was the Espresso Drinks app. You may have seen the espresso drinks chart poster before— this version is strictly mobile. All you do is tap on the drink you want (from espresso to caffé mocha, there are 9 basic drinks to choose from). The chart will flip over to reveal a larger, detailed drink icon with approximated ingredient amounts labeled "espresso", "steamed milk", etc. If you're a coffee novice with any version of the iPhone, this is definitely the app to get you started.

Even if you're more of a one-touch coffee maker user, there's an app for you. Fans of  Nespresso single serve espresso machines will appreciate the Nespresso Stock Checker. Keep track of your Nespresso capsules, and always be ready to brew.

What's your favorite iPhone espresso or tea app? Let me know, and maybe I'll review it next time!

Rachel
Web Department

I'm known around the office as the Coffee Queen. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm crazy about my coffee and will most times see me with a cup in hand. Trust me when I say that if I don't get my morning latte, my mid day cappuccino, and my "right before I pick up the kids" espresso, I'll go crazy. I know... I've got a serious problem. But, it's not just the fact that I'm drinking the caffeinated beverages and allowing them to soak into my system to keep me going, I actually love the taste. A good quality flavor and aroma are very important to me. With that said, I recently had the privilege of testing out the Keurig B70 coffee machine. I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical for a couple of reasons. I had read reviews of the machine and the quality of the coffee that it produced. I had heard that it was more for people addicted to caffeine, and not so much for those addicted to the delicious taste of a great cup of coffee. I was wrong! Not only did I get to get to choose from a plethora of flavors of coffee, but the K-Cup capsules that are used also come in a variety of teas and hot chocolate. And let's face it, with the weather here in New York getting cooler and cooler, who doesn't love an instant cup of hot chocolate? The machine brewed me a cup of delicious coffee in seconds. It came out hot and there was absolutely no clean up!! All I had to do was remove the capsule and throw it in the garbage. I am in love. If you get the chance check this machine out— it is great for the holidays and entertaining. If someone wants decaf, great. If they want French vanilla, great. Take my word for it, this is the best instant brew coffee machine I have ever used.

Kris
Sales Department

Want to impress friends and family members this Labor Day weekend? We've got just the thing. Check out the following collection of weird and wacky coffee trivia; go ahead, try them out at the next party. We can't guarantee that you'll gain friends with these facts. But...hey...it's better than starting a conversation with a knock-knock joke!     

• Famous philosopher Voltaire reportedly drank 40+ cups of coffee a day. His watering hole of choice was Café Procope, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris.
• Forget about the bacon, according to an ancient Turkish law, a woman had the legal right to divorce her husband if he failed to bring home the beans! Apparently, the man had a quota that must be met, should he wish to keep his wife.
• Coffee became the American patriot's beverage of choice after the Boston Tea Party linked tea to British imperialism. Had the Revolution not taken place, we'd probably be nation of tea drinkers today, much like the English.
• Reportedly, Frederick the Great of Prussia had his coffee mixed with a bit of champagne and mustard. Cringe.
• In Italy, where coffee is a source of national pride and baristas are revered as drink artists, the average age of a professional barista is 48.

Do you have any little-known coffee facts lying around? Please share!

Tho
Writing Department

First off, let me say one thing…I hate using a straw on hot beverages. Call me old-fashioned but I like to sip, not suck on my coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. That said, there’s a growing population more comfortable with the idea than I’ll ever be. To such individuals, I’d like to introduce the Java Wand.

Not to start any gossip, but if a French press were to mate with a Krazy Straw, the resulting offspring would be a Java Wand. This gadget is pretty much a glass straw with a tiny French press filter attached to the bottom. To make a cup of Joe, you basically add a teaspoon of ground coffee to a cup of hot water and stir using the Java wand. Supposedly after a few seconds, you should have drinkable coffee on your hands—which can be enjoyed through the straw. 

Somehow I doubt this doohickey can replace a good espresso machine or compete with the Handpresso…but to each his or her own. Would you use the Java Wand?

Tho
Writing Department