The Complete Guide To Types Of Coffee Beans
Types of Coffee Beans
Behind every cup of coffee we enjoy there are beans that have been carefully graded. These beans are examined by their size as well as color, shape, and density.
The AA grade is given to coffee beans that satisfy all the criteria above, with the exception that they should not have more than three deficient qualities (quakers). Typically, these are Kenya AA beans.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans are also known as Coffea Arabicica and are the most well-known coffee beans in the world. Legend has it that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder observed his herd dancing with more energy after eating the fruit of the coffee plant. Coffeee led him to experiment with roasting and brewing the seeds, creating the drink we know and cherish today.
While many varieties of coffee plants exist but there are only two major species used to create the basis for all our favourite brews: arabica and robusta. The former is generally considered superior to the latter and this is evident in the taste of the final beverage.
There are many different arabica cultivars. Each has distinct flavor profiles. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon, from which the other arabica varieties have been developed, either through natural mutations or deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya and is renowned for its distinctive chocolaty flavour.
The taste of an arabica variety is based on the conditions in which it was planted, as well as the method by which it was handled and cooked. The kind of shade the tree gets can have a significant effect on the final product.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most sought-after variety of coffee beans. These beans are used in most instant coffees. They also contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used in a variety of espresso blends, notably for caffe latte and cappuccino.
The Coffea Canephora plant was originally discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been cultivated all over the world. It can thrive at lower elevations and tolerate higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, which makes it more convenient for farmers. Vietnam is the largest producer of robusta followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
The robusta plant makes a wonderful coffee, but it's not popular with cupping enthusiasts because of its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. It's generally regarded as to be a lower quality coffee and a majority of the major coffee companies employ arabica beans for their premium products.
The demand for premium coffees is growing, and small roasters are experimenting to make the most of its exceptional qualities. Our Valhalla Java coffee and Death With Coffee coffee are two examples. Both are exceptional robustas that blend with arabica to create the perfect balance of quality and flavor. The coffees are carefully sourced from Uganda, where robusta has been grown for long periods of time. Find out more about these coffees.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are rare and are seldom used in the world. They're less than percent of the world's total consumption of coffee beans and are often overlooked because they do not have as much caffeine. However, they do have a unique flavor that many coffee lovers find irresistible.
Despite their rarity, Liberica coffee beans are still fairly popular in 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 robust for a long time. A cup of coffee after prayers is a part of their culture.
The history of Liberica coffee dates back to the 1890s when a worldwide epidemic of coffee leaf rust wiped out the majority of the world's arabica crop. This event spurred coffee producers to discover a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates. They quickly discovered the Liberica plant.
Liberica plants are resistant to pests and diseases, making them a perfect replacement for the destroyed arabica crop. Liberica also has the ability to thrive in hot temperatures and lower altitudes, allowing 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
While it isn't common for coffee drinkers to find excelsa beans, they are quickly gaining recognition for their unique flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer with South India Coffee Co. They are "a variation of the liberica species that has the same teardrop shape, but smaller size." It's important to keep in mind that, despite the resemblance of family between excelsa and liberica the species isn't a separate one.
It's unclear how to categorize excelsa beans. This confusion is largely responsible for the lack of presence of these beans in the modern world of coffee. Because of this, many roasters, farmers, and brewers aren't sure how to cultivate and use these beans properly.
It's ultimately up to each person to decide if he or she likes the taste of excelsa. it can take a while to find the right blend. It's crucial to be flexible and test every type of coffee until you've found the one you love. You'll have the chance to explore the vast array of possibilities the unique beans have to offer. It's a journey that's well worth the effort.