Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee that we enjoy, are carefully graded bean. These beans are graded on size, color and shape.

The AA rating is given to coffee beans that meet the criteria above, except that they cannot contain more than three defects (quakers). These beans are usually Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are also referred to as Coffea Arabicica and are the most well-known coffee in the world. Legend has it that coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder noticed his herd dancing with more energy after eating the fruits of the coffee plant. This prompted him to try roasting the seeds and brewing them, which resulted in the beverage that we drink today.

While many varieties of coffee plants are available, there are only two major species used to create the basis for our favorite brews: arabica and robusta. The taste of the final drink is usually better when you drink the robusta variety.

There are many different arabica cultivars. Each one has their own distinctive taste. Two of the most well-known varieties are Typica and Bourbon, from which all other varieties of arabica were developed either through natural mutation or through deliberate crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for example was created in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for Coffeee its distinct chocolatey flavor.

The flavor of a particular arabica variety will vary based on the environment in which it is planted, and also on how it is treated and roasted. For example, the type of shade a plant receives in its altitude, its elevation and soil composition can all play a impact on the final product.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans, also referred to as coffee canephora, are the second most widely used kind of coffee beans. They are the beans used in the majority of instant drinks and have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used to make many espresso blends including cappuccino, caffe latte, and many other coffee drinks.

The Coffea Canephora plant was originally discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been cultivated all over the globe. It is able to grow at lower elevations and can withstand higher temperatures than the Arabica coffee plant, making it a more convenient crop for farmers. Vietnam is the world's biggest producer of robusta, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

The robusta plant is a great coffee, but it's not popular with cupping enthusiasts because of its bitter taste and burnt-rubber aroma. Many large coffee companies employ arabica beans to make their premium products because it's considered to be a less premium coffee.

The demand for specialty coffee beans coffees is increasing and small roasters are also experimenting to benefit from its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two examples of outstanding robusta coffees that are mixed with arabica to provide the perfect balance of strength and flavour. These beans are from Uganda which is a nation where robusta is a staple of the coffee industry for many years. Learn more about them.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are a rare variety that are seldom used in the world. They are less than 2 percent of the world's consumption of coffee beans and are often overlooked because they do not have the same amount of caffeine. But, they have distinct flavor that coffee lovers find appealing.

Despite their rarity, Liberica coffee beans are still popular in a few regions of Asia. They are most prevalent in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a significant Muslim community. The coffee industry in these countries has historically been very strong and drinking coffee after prayer is a part the culture.

Liberica coffee's history dates back to the 1890s which was the time when a global epidemic caused by rust on the coffee leaf devastated the arabica crop. This caused the coffee industry to seek out a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates, and they quickly discovered the Liberica plant.

Liberica plants are resistant to disease and pests which makes them a great alternative to the ruined arabica crop. Liberica also has the capacity to thrive in hot temperatures and lower altitudes. This allowed it to thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. Liberica beans are the basis for the majority of the coffee in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Excelsa

Although it's not common for coffee enthusiasts to find excelsa beans, they are quickly gaining recognition for their unique flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer at South India Coffee Co. The beans are "a variation of the liberica species with similar teardrop-like shapes however, they are smaller." However despite the family resemblance it's important to understand that excelsa is technically not a distinct species.

So, it's bit confusing the best way to classify excelsa beans. categorized and it's this confusion that's been the cause of the beans' insignificant presence in the modern world of coffee. Many roasters, farmers, and brewers are unaware of how to properly cultivate and utilize these beans.

In the end, it's entirely up the individual to determine what they prefer about the taste of excelsa coffee and it may take a little longer to find a blend that fits their tastes. It's important to be open-minded and try different kinds of coffee until you've discovered the one you love. You'll discover the vast array of possibilities the unique beans have to offer. It's a journey worth the ride.