Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee that we drink there are carefully graded beans. These beans are analyzed according to their size color, shape, and density.

The AA grade is given to coffee beans that meet the criteria mentioned above, with the exception that they must not contain more than 3 defects (quakers). Typically these are Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are also referred to as Coffea Arabicica and are the most coveted coffee in the world. The legend says that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder noticed his herd dancing with more energy after eating the fruits of the coffee plant. This led him experiment with roasting the seeds and brewing them, which resulted in the beverage which we enjoy today.

There are many varieties of coffee plants, but only two are used in the production of our favourite brews - arabica and robusta. The former is generally thought superior to the latter and this is reflected in the taste of the finished beverage.

There are many varieties of arabica cultivars, each each one possessing its own unique flavor profile. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon which are the basis for the other arabica varieties have been developed, either through natural mutations or through deliberate crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for example was developed in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinct chocolatey flavor.

The flavor of the arabica variety is contingent on the conditions in which it was grown, and also how it was handled and cooked. The type of shade trees receive will have a major impact on the final product.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans, also known as coffee canephora, are the second most widely used kind 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 numerous espresso blends, notably for caffe latte and cappuccino.

Coffea Canephora is a plant that originated from Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been cultivated throughout the world since then. It can grow at lower elevations and can withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, which makes it a better choice for farmers. Vietnam is currently the biggest producer of robusta coffee followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

The robusta plant is a good coffee, but it's not a favorite among cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. Most major online coffee beans companies utilize arabica bean for their premium coffees because it is considered a lower-quality coffee.

However the demand for premium coffee is growing, and smaller roasters are testing premium robusta varieties to benefit from its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two exceptional robusta coffees. They are blended with arabica to create the perfect balance of strength and flavour. These are coffees from Uganda which is a country in which robusta has long been cultivated. Find out more about them.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are rare varieties that are not often used in the world. They make up less than 2 percent of the world's total consumption of highest rated coffee beans beans and are often overlooked since they don't contain the same amount of caffeine. But, they have a unique taste that many coffee enthusiasts find irresistible.

Liberica coffee beans, despite being extremely rare however, are quite popular in some parts of Asia. They are especially common in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a large Muslim population. The coffee industry in these countries has traditionally been very strong and a cup of joe during prayer is a part of the culture.

The background of Liberica coffee began in the 1890s when a worldwide epidemic of coffee leaf rust destroyed the majority of the world's arabica crop. This event spurred cheap coffee beans producers to find an alternative species that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica plant.

Liberica plants are resistant to disease and pests which makes them the perfect replacement for the devastated arabica crop. Liberica can also be grown in lower altitudes and high 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 originates from Liberica beans.

Excelsa

While it's not usual for coffee lovers to see excelsa beans in their cups, these unique beans are beginning to earn a reputation for their unique flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth generation coffee farmer the beans have a similar teardrop shape, however they are smaller. It's important to understand that despite the close resemblance between excelsa and liberica the species isn't a separate one.

It's unclear how to classify excelsa beans. This confusion is largely responsible for the lack of existence of these beans in the contemporary coffee world. Many roasters, farmers, and brewers don't know how to properly cultivate and utilize these beans.

It is ultimately up to the individual to decide if they like the taste of excelsa cafe coffee beans and it might take a time to discover a blend that is suitable for their tastes. It's important to be open-minded and test every type of coffee until you discover the one you enjoy. You'll be able to explore the wide range of options these unique beans can offer. It's an experience that's worth the journey.