Types of Coffee Beans

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

The AA classification is given to coffee beans that satisfy all the above criteria except they must not contain more than three deficient qualities (quakers). These are usually Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are also referred to as Coffea Arabicica and are the most popular light roast coffee beans beans in the world. According to the legend coffee was discovered by a goatherder in Ethiopia after he observed that his herd had more energy when they ate the fruit of the plant. This led him to experiment with roasting and making the seeds, resulting in the drink we know and love today.

While many varieties of coffee plants exist, there are only two species that are used to create the basis for all of our favorite coffees: robusta and arabica. The former is generally considered to be superior to the other, and this is reflected in the flavor of the finished beverage.

There are a variety of arabica cultivars. Each has its own unique taste profile. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon from which the other varieties of arabica have been created, through natural mutation or through deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya, which is known for its distinctive chocolate taste.

The taste of an arabica variety is based on the conditions in which it was grown and also how it was handled and roasted. For example, Arabica coffee beans the type of shade a tree gets in its altitude, its elevation and soil composition could all play an important role in the final result.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans, also referred to as coffee canephora, are the second most common type of coffee beans. They are the beans used to make most instant coffees and have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used to make many blends of espresso particularly for cappuccino, caffe latte, and other beverages made from coffee.

Coffea Canephora is a plant that originated in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been grown all over the world since then. It can grow at lower elevations and can withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it more suitable for farmers. Vietnam is currently the largest producer of robusta coffee, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

The robusta plant is a great coffee, but it's not a popular choice among cupping enthusiasts because of its bitter taste and burnt-rubber hints. Most major coffee beans shop companies utilize arabica bean to cup coffee for their premium products because it's considered to be a less premium coffee.

However, the demand for gourmet coffee is growing and small roasters are trying out high-end robusta varieties in order to profit from its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two exceptional robusta coffees. They are blended with arabica to give the perfect blend of flavour and strength. These coffees come from Uganda, a country where robusta has been grown for a long time. Read more about these coffees.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are an uncommon variety that is seldom used in the world. They make up less than 2% of world's coffee consumption, and are often overlooked because they don't contain the same amount of caffeine that Arabica and Robusta do. But, they have distinctive flavor that coffee lovers find irresistible.

Liberica decaffeinated coffee beans beans, though extremely scarce, are still quite popular in some parts of Asia. These beans are most common in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a significant Muslim community. The coffee industry in these countries has historically been very robust, and drinking an espresso after prayer is a part the tradition.

Liberica coffee's roots go back to the 1890s in the 1890s, when a global outbreak caused by coffee leaf rust destroyed the arabica crop. This caused coffee producers to discover a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates, and they soon discovered the Liberica plant.

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

Excelsa

Although it's rare for coffee lovers to find excelsa beans in their cups, these unique beans are gaining recognition for their distinctive flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth-generation farmer of coffee These beans have a similar teardrop form, but are smaller. It's important to understand that despite the close resemblance between excelsa and liberica however, this species is not distinct from either.

It's unclear how to categorize excelsa beans. This confusion is responsible for the lack of presence of these beans in the modern coffee world. Because of this, a lot of growers, Arabica coffee beans roasters, and brewers don't know how to cultivate and use these beans effectively.

Ultimately, it's up for the individual to decide if they like the taste of the coffee excelsa and it could take a amount of time to find a blend that matches their preferences. The key is to be open to new ideas and give every kind of coffee a try until you find one that you really enjoy. You'll have the chance to explore the many possibilities the unique beans have to offer. This is an adventure worth the effort.