Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee bean coffee that we drink, there is a carefully graded beans. The beans are evaluated according to their size as well as color, shape, and density.

The AA grade is given to coffee beans that fulfill the criteria above, except that they can't contain more than three defects (quakers). They are typically Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans, also referred to as Coffea arabica, are the most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. The legend says that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder observed his herd's dancing more vigorously after eating the fruit of the coffee plant. This led him to experiment with roasting seeds and brewing them, creating the drink that we drink today.

While a myriad of coffee plants exist however, there are two main species that are used as the foundation for all our favourite brews: arabica and robusta. The former is generally thought to be superior to the latter and this is reflected in the taste of the finished beverage.

There are a number of different cultivars of arabica, with each having its own unique flavor profile. Typica and Bourbon are two of the most well-known arabica cultivars. All other arabica cultivars were derived from these two varieties, either by natural mutations or through deliberate crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for instance was developed in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinctive chocolate taste.

The flavor of a particular arabica variety will depend on the conditions under the area it is grown as well as the way it is handled and roasted. The shade trees receive can have a significant effect on the final product.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans, also referred to as coffee canephora, are the second most popular type of coffee beans. They are the beans used for the majority of instant drinks and have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used in many espresso blends, especially for cappuccino and caffe latte.

The Coffea Canephora plant was originally discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been grown all over the globe. It is able to grow at lower altitudes and is able to withstand higher temperatures than the Arabica coffee plant, making it a much more practical crop for farmers. Vietnam is currently the largest producer of robusta coffee followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

Although the robusta plant has its merits however, it's not as adored by cupping aficionados for its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. It's usually regarded as inferior quality coffee and most large coffee companies utilize arabica beans to make their top-quality products.

However the demand for premium coffee is growing and small roasters are exploring high-end robusta varieties in order to benefit from its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java unroasted coffee beans and Death With Coffee coffee are two examples. Both are excellent robustas that blend with arabica to create the perfect balance of the strength and flavor. These are carefully procured from Uganda where robusta was grown for hundreds of years. Find out more about these coffees.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are a rare variety that are not often used in the world. They are less than 2 percent of the world's consumption of coffee beans, and are often overlooked since they don't contain as much caffeine. These beans have a distinct taste that many coffee drinkers find appealing.

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

Liberica coffee's roots go back to the 1890s which was the time when a global epidemic caused by coffee leaf rust decimated the arabica crop. The event prompted coffee makers to search for an alternative species that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica plant.

Liberica plants are resistant to diseases and pests which makes them an ideal alternative to the ruined arabica crop. Liberica also has the capacity to thrive in temperatures that are hot and lower altitudes. This allowed it to flourish in the climate of Southeast Asia. This is why, in the present the majority of the coffee grown in the Philippines, Coffee bean shop near me Indonesia, and Malaysia originates from Liberica beans.

Excelsa

Although it's not common for coffee bean enthusiasts to find excelsa beans, they are gaining recognition for their distinctive flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth generation farmer of Cheap Coffee Beans excelsa beans are similar to the teardrop shape, however they are smaller. It is important to note that despite the close resemblance between excelsa and liberica, this species is not a separate one.

It's a bit hazy as to how excelsa beans should be classified, and it's this confusion that's been at the root of the beans' absence in the modern world of coffee. Many roasters, farmers, and brewers have no idea how to properly cultivate and utilize these beans.

In the end, it's up for the individual to decide whether they like the flavor of the coffee excelsa and it could take a 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 find one you really enjoy. You'll get to explore the vast array of possibilities these unique beans can offer. This is an adventure worth the effort.