More different than you think!
Did you know? Vietnam is the world's second largest producer of coffee, yet many may not immediately associate coffee with Vietnam. Since the French introduced coffee to the Vietnamese in the 19th century, Vietnamese people have truly made coffee culture our own with unique preparations, distinct flavors, and specialty ingredients.
But what is Vietnamese coffee? If you've studied a bit about coffee, you may know there are two varieties: Arabica and Robusta. Vietnam is known primarily for Robusta, but Vietnamese farmers also grow Arabica in special, high-elevation plots of farm.
Once roasted, the two beans look very similar, but the differences come in taste, growing conditions, and price. Arabica beans serve to have a sweeter, softer, and fruiter taste. Whereas, Robusta is a stronger, brighter taste, with a nuttier overtone and a more decadent aftertaste.
The Arabica coffee beans are harvested from the top of the mountain. The Arabica plant grows best at high altitudes, above a thousand meters. The bean is flat and elongated with a curved S-shaped groove. Its recognizable delicate taste and strong aromatic origin are the characteristics of its beans. The cool climate in the highlands of Da Lat has created the best Arabica coffee beans in Vietnam. In the same region, cacao beans are grown, providing an ideal pairing for fertile, rich soil.
At Omni Bev, our exclusive family farm is located in the center of Da Lat, Vietnam. We bring the highest grade Vietnamese Arabica coffee beans to the states. Arabica coffee is slightly less acidic than its counterpart, making it a friendly option for sensitive stomachs. The bean also tends to feature a firm flavor profile that can border on bitterness. For our coffee lovers who prefer Arabica, Omni Bev offers premium-grade single-origin sun-roasted Arabica coffee beans—grown at over 1500 meters in rich red volcanic soils in the highlands of Vietnam. Our 100% arabica bean blend is light in acidity with complex and intense flavors. Our coffee reflects the essence of the dense forest of its tropical origin. The sweet chocolate flavor often holds earthy undertones. Our Arabica beans are hand-picked at the peak of their ripeness; you truly experience the rich and deep flavors in every cup.
Arabica coffee bean's counterpart; another known coffee bean is Robusta coffee bean. Robustas are easier to grow and yields more crop per tree. They can grow at lower altitudes and are less vulnerable to pests. Compared with Arabica coffee beans, they can naturally grow in different weather conditions. Additionally, they grow quicker than their counterpart, Arabicas, requiring several years to come to maturity. The Robusta bean has a rounded shape with a sort of straight groove. The bean carries a strong taste and is almost twice as strong caffeine-wise as Arabica.
Vietnam is the largest Robusta producer globally. Omni Bev harvests their Robusta beans in the highlands of Dalat, Vietnam. Omni Bev's premium robusta bean's distinctive flavor reflects the micro-climates elevation and the highlands' deep red volcanic soils. Our premium grade, Vietnamese Robusta beans have a significantly higher caffeine content as compared to Arabica beans. It is common to see Robusta beans as a part of a blend, but our coffee beans are fantastic independently. We offer 100% robusta bean roast, nothing like you've had before. It's not overly roasted or bitter but, in fact, flavor dominant and minimal in acidity. Ultimately, it's a question of personal taste.
When it comes to Arabica or Robusta beans, it is normal to like one more than the other. The choice is up to you! Whether you love the sweetness of the Arabica beans or the strength in the Robusta beans, we are committed to offering the highest quality beans.