Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee we sip there are beans that have been carefully graded. The beans are evaluated in accordance with their size as well as color, shape, and density.

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

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are also referred to as Coffea Arabicica and are the most sought-after coffee in the world. According to legend, coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goatherder Ethiopia after he observed that his animals had more energy when they consumed the fruit of the plant. This led him to experiment with roasting and brewing the seeds, creating the beverage we now know and love today.

While many varieties of coffee bean shop plants exist, there are only two species that are used as the foundation for all our favourite drinks: arabica and robusta. The former is generally thought to be superior to the latter, and this is reflected in the taste of the final drink.

There are many different cultivars of arabica, each every one having their own distinct flavour profile. Two of the most well-known varieties are Typica and Bourbon which are the basis for all other arabica varieties have been developed, through natural mutation or intentional crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya and is renowned for its distinct chocolate flavor.

The taste of an arabica variety is based on the environment in which it was grown, and also how it was handled and roasted. The type of shade a tree gets can have a significant effect on the final product.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans, also referred to as coffee canephora, are the second most used kind of coffee beans. They are used in the majority of instant coffees. They also contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also utilized in many espresso blends, specifically for cappuccino and caffe latte.

Coffea Canephora is a plant that originated in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been cultivated across the world since then. It can grow at lower elevations and can withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it more suited to farmers. Vietnam is the world's largest producer of robusta followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

The robusta plant is a great coffee, but it's not popular with cupping enthusiasts because of its bitter taste and burnt-rubber hints. Most major coffee companies utilize arabica beans in their top-quality products since it's considered to be lower-good quality coffee beans coffee.

However the demand for premium coffee is growing and small roasters are testing premium robusta varieties to take advantage of its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two exceptional robusta coffees, which are mixed with arabica to provide the perfect balance of strength and flavour. These coffees come from Uganda in a country where robusta has been cultivated for a long time. Find out more about these coffees.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are an uncommon variety that is seldom used in the world. They're less than 2% the world's consumption of coffee beans, and are often overlooked as they don't have the same amount of caffeine. They have a distinctive taste that a majority of coffee drinkers find irresistible.

Despite their rarity, Liberica coffee beans are still very popular in many parts of Asia. They are particularly popular in Malaysia and Indonesia as they have an extensive Muslim population. In these countries the coffee industry has been steady for a number of years. Drinking a cup of coffee after a prayer is an integral part of their tradition.

The background of Liberica coffee began in the 1890s when a worldwide outbreak of coffee leaf rust wiped out the majority of the world's arabica crop. The event spurred coffee producers to search for a more robust plant that could flourish in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica.

Liberica plants have a high tolerance to pests and diseases which makes them a perfect replacement for the ruined 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 coffee that is produced in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia is derived from Liberica beans.

Excelsa

While it's not usual for Coffee Bean Company lovers to find excelsa beans in their cups, these exclusive beans are beginning to earn an image due to their distinctive flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth generation coffee farmer excelsa beans are similar to the teardrop shape, but are much smaller. However, despite this family resemblance it is important to remember that excelsa is technically not a separate species.

It's a bit confusing how excelsa beans should be classified and it's this confusion that's been the cause of the beans' insignificant presence in the world of coffee. Because of this, many roasters, growers and brewers aren't sure how to cultivate and utilize these beans in a proper manner.

In the end, it's entirely up the individual to determine whether they like the flavor of excelsa coffee and it could take a bit of time to find a blend that suits your preferences. It's important to be open-minded and try different kinds of coffee until you've discovered the one you like. You'll discover the many possibilities these unique beans can offer. This is a trip worth the effort.