Types of Coffee Beans

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

The AA grade is awarded to coffee beans that meet all of the above requirements, except they must not have more than three deficient quality (quakers). These are typically Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans, also referred to as Coffea arabica are the most sought-after type of coffee beans in the world. The legend says that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when goat herders noticed their herd dancing with more energy after eating the fruit of the coffee plant. This prompted him to try roasting the seeds and brewing them, which resulted in the beverage that we love today.

There are a variety of coffee plants, but only two are used to create our most popular brews: arabica and robusta. The former is generally thought superior to the latter and this is evident in the flavor of the finished beverage.

There are a number of different arabica cultivars, with each having its own unique flavor profile. Two of the most well-known varieties are Typica and Bourbon which are the basis for all other arabica varieties have been created, through natural mutation or intentional crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya which is famous for its distinct chocolaty flavor.

The flavor of a particular arabica variety will be determined by the conditions under which it is grown, as well as how it is handled and cooked. For instance, the kind of shade a tree gets in its altitude, its elevation and soil composition will all play a role in the final result.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans, also known as coffee canephora are the second most widely used kind of coffee. They are the beans used for most instant coffees and have twice as much caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They also are used to make a variety of espresso blends - especially for cappuccino, caffe latte and Types of Coffee Beans various other beverages that are coffee-based.

The Coffea Canephora plant was initially discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been grown all over the globe. It can thrive at lower elevations and withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, which makes it more suitable for Types of Coffee Beans farmers. Vietnam is the world's biggest producer of robusta, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

The robusta plant is an excellent coffee however it's not the most popular among cupping enthusiasts because of its bitter taste and burnt-rubber hints. It's usually regarded as to be a lower quality coffee and many large coffee producers use arabica beans for their top quality products.

However the demand for premium coffee is increasing and small roasters are experimenting with premium robusta varieties to take advantage of its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two examples of outstanding robusta coffees. They are mixed with arabica to provide the perfect blend of flavour and strength. The coffees are carefully sourced from Uganda where robusta has been cultivated for long periods of time. Find out more about them.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are rare and are not used in the globe. They make up less than 2% the world's consumption of coffee beans, and are often overlooked since they do not have as much caffeine. These beans have a unique taste that many coffee drinkers find irresistible.

Despite their rarity, Liberica coffee beans are still very popular in many parts of Asia. They are most prevalent in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a significant Muslim community. In these countries the coffee industry has been very steady for a number of years. Drinking a cup coffee following a prayer is a part of their tradition.

The history of Liberica coffee began in the 1890s, when a global epidemic of coffee leaf rust killed the majority of the world's arabica crop. This event prompted coffee producers to look for a robust plant that could flourish in tropical climates. They soon found the Liberica.

Liberica plants are resistant to pests and diseases which makes them an ideal alternative to the ruined arabica crop. Liberica can also thrive in lower altitudes and hot temperatures, which allows it to thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. This is the reason why, today the majority of coffee grown in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia is made from Liberica beans.

Excelsa

Although it is rare for coffee drinkers to find excelsa beans, they are gaining a reputation for having a unique flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth-generation farmer of coffee the beans have a similar teardrop-shaped shape, however they are smaller. However, despite this family resemblance it's important to know that excelsa is technically not a separate species.

So, it's little ambiguous as to how excelsa beans should be classified. It's this confusion that has been the reason for the beans' lack of presence in the contemporary world of coffee. Many roasters, growers, and brewers aren't aware of how to properly cultivate and utilize these beans.

Ultimately, it's up to the individual to decide whether they enjoy the flavor of excelsa coffee. It may take a little amount of time to discover a blend that is suitable for their preferences. The key is to be open-minded and try every type of coffee a shot until you discover one you truly love. You'll discover the many possibilities the unique beans have to offer. This is a journey worth the effort.