The increasing utilization of coffee husk waste has opened up new opportunities for the development of innovative beverages by processing it into cascara tea. Cascara and its brew have the potential to be natural antioxidants because they contain secondary metabolites such as polyphenols. This study aims to examine the development, quality characteristics, and sensory properties of herbal tea based on a combination of cascara, Dayak onion bulbs, and stevia formulations, as well as to obtain the optimal formulation combination and identify the chemical compound profile using LCMS. This study used a completely randomized design analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and followed by Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT). Differences in the concentrations of Dayak onion and stevia affected the characteristics of water content, ash content, pH value, polyphenol content, and hedonic tests of color, aroma, and taste in cascara tea combined with Dayak onion and stevia. The optimal formulation was found in formula D (60% cascara: 20% Dayak onion: 20% stevia). The results of compound profile identification in the optimal formula using LCMS included anthranilic acid, DL-Tryptophan, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin, and trans-resveratrol. The addition of stevia improved the aroma and taste of the tea infusion, with a hedonic aroma score of 3.48 (normal/acceptable) and a taste score of 3.65 (liked). Key words: Antioxidant activity; coffee skin utilization; innovative beverage formulations; LCMS profile; sensory evaluation.
Robusta coffee is a key livelihood crop in Asia, and its productivity differs largely across main regions. However, the factors underlying these differences remain limited. This study examines yield variation across Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, the three largest Robusta-producing countries in Asia. Using 13,525 farm-level surveys, the study applied descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression-based threshold methods to assess the relationships between yield and key management practices. The results show that median yields reach 2,643 kg GBE ha⁻¹ in Vietnam, compared with 1,359 kg ha⁻¹ in India-Karnataka, 509 kg ha⁻¹ in India-Kerala, and 383 kg ha⁻¹ in Indonesia. Correlation analysis shows that inorganic fertilizer use is positively associated with yield across the three countries, with coefficients ranging from 0.326 to 0.408. Pruning practices are also associated with higher yields in several regions, whereas shade levels are negatively related to yield in Vietnam. These findings indicate that yield gaps in Asian Robusta systems arise from different constraints across countries. Input scarcity appears to constrain productivity in Indonesia, while inefficiencies in nutrient management and structural characteristics of production systems play a larger role in Vietnam and India. The results highlight the need for context-specific strategies to improve productivity and sustainability in Robusta coffee production. Key words: Yield differences; fertilizer efficiency; shade management; plantation rejuvenation; Robusta coffee.
