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MILAN, Italy— Robusta – Canephora: A Guide to Loving It! is a groundbreaking new book that seeks to rewrite the global narrative surrounding Robusta coffee, a species long treated as a commodity and misunderstood in comparison to its more famous cousin, Arabica.
Written and curated by Polish coffee professional Mikołaj Pociecha of Chunky Cherry
Roasters in Amsterdam, known for his pioneering work with Robusta coffees, the book was originally intended to focus on roasting techniques—but quickly evolved into something far greater.
The result is a collaborative, independent work that brings together diverse global voices to explore the history, sensory language, cultural weight, and economic potential of Cof ea canephora.
From extraction methods and flavor evaluation to roasting theory, colonial history, and even
water design, the 280-page book offers a deeply researched and refreshingly inclusive take on Robusta’s role in today’s coffee world.
The contributing authors are: Isabelle Mani, Bhavi Patel, Judith Konsten, Reza Nurullah, and Rohan Kuriyan.
The book is available for purchase at this link and through selected resellers across Europe.
Mikołaj Pociecha about the book on Canephora: Your book begins with a very grounded premise: that Robusta has long been misunderstood not because of conspiracy or stigma, but because of its historical trajectory. What moment made you realize this story needed to be told differently—and told now?
“Approaching any situation from a negative standpoint will not yield positive results. Instead of extensively discussing all the faults and issues that exist or have occurred, I believe it is important to share a story rooted in a bit of optimism and, at times, blissful ignorance of the heavy stigmas surrounding this topic.
The timing of presenting this narrative feels perfect, don’t you think? I consider it perfect because we are alive, present, and working hard. That alone should be more than enough. We’re not waiting for the next generation to pick up the slack. When we’re finished, there will be some foundation—some evidence of our ef orts—for those who will one day fall in love with this topic, likely because of the work we have done.”
Throughout the book, you weave together botanical, geopolitical, and cultural elements of Canephora. What were some of the biggest surprises or revelations you encountered while tracing its colonial, scientific, and market roots?
“The biggest surprise is just how recent this history is and the significant impact it has had. The influence of world economics and the political climate in consuming countries appears to have created a landscape where Robusta coffee plays an important role, leaving its mark on many cultures around the globe.
From the vibrant cof ee scene in Vietnam to the cramped, brutalist kitchens of Eastern Europe, Canephora is here to stay—and I couldn’t be more delighted.”
The book presents Robusta as a dynamic system—linked to climate resilience, rural livelihoods, and evolving sensory frameworks. How do you envision its role shifting over the next decade within the specialty coffee sector?
“To be honest, I have no idea! It’s quite interesting, though, because I believe the next decade will be very exciting, and Canephora may not be the only player in the spotlight. We are approaching a time where many voices from around the world are not only proud but also excited about the diversity of species found in various producing countries.
Natural decaf? No worries—South Africa has Racemosa. We also have Excelsa, Liberica, Canephora, Eugenoides, and Stenophylla. I have a strange feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg!”
Rather than positioning Canephora in opposition to Arabica, your narrative frames it as its own language. What do you believe professionals and consumers must unlearn in order to fully appreciate this species?
“I’m not convinced that there’s anything I need people to unlearn, and I’m not sure I want to view it that way. The concept of unlearning feels challenging, bothersome, and somewhat negative. What I truly aim for is to create positive experiences with Canephora for those who have yet to encounter them. I would love for people to discover a few new things that they will find exciting and interesting.
You called this book a guide—not a manifesto. Yet it feels deeply intentional, from the tone to the citations. What do you hope readers will carry with them, both intellectually and emotionally, after reading it?
“This is not a manifesto because I dislike the idea of imposing definite opinions on anyone. Rather, it serves as a guide that encourages discovery. The most informative chapters in this book aren’t even written by me. People like Isabelle, Judith, and Bhavi possess far more knowledge than I do, and they have the backgrounds to prove it. As for me, I’m here to inspire and to show others that individuals like them are the driving force behind progress in our industry.
I want readers to leave with a sense of curiosity and a desire to create a slightly more inclusive and compassionate world than it was yesterday, embracing people, ideas, coffee species, and flavors they may not yet be familiar with.”
