Types of Coffee Beans
Behind every cup of coffee we drink, there is a carefully graded beans. The beans are evaluated according to their size, color, shape and density.
The AA classification is given to coffee beans that meet all of the above requirements, except they should not have more than three deficient quality (quakers). Most often, these are Kenya AA beans.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans are also referred to as Coffea Arabicica and are the most well-known coffee in the world. According to legend coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goatherder Ethiopia after he noticed that his herd had more energy when they ate the fruits of the plant. This prompted him to try roasting the seeds before brewing them, creating the drink that we love today.
Although a variety of coffee plants exist but there are only two main species that are used as the foundation for all our favorite drinks: arabica and robusta. The former is generally considered superior to the latter, and this is evident in the taste of the finished beverage.
There are a variety of arabica cultivars. Each has its own distinct taste profile. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon, from which all other arabica varieties have been created, either by natural mutation or intentional crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya that is renowned for its distinct chocolaty flavor.
The taste of the arabica variety is contingent on the conditions under which it was grown and also on how it was handled and cooked. For instance, the type of shade that a tree receives along with its altitude and soil composition may all play an important role in the final result.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans, also known as coffee canephora, are the second most widely used type of coffee beans. These beans are commonly used in instant coffees. They also contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also utilized in many espresso blends, notably for cappuccino and caffe latte.
The Coffea Canephora plant was initially discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been cultivated all over the world. It can grow at lower elevations and can tolerate higher temperatures than the Arabica coffee plant, making it a more convenient crop for farmers. Vietnam is the world's largest producer of robusta followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
Although the coffee bean shop has its merits, it's not as well-loved by cupping aficionados for its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. It's usually regarded as a poorer quality coffee, and the majority of large coffee companies employ arabica beans for their top quality products.
The demand for specialty coffees is growing, and small roasters are exploring to capitalize on its outstanding qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two examples of exceptional robusta coffees, which are mixed with arabica to provide the perfect blend of flavour and strength. These coffees come from Uganda which is a nation where robusta has been cultivated for a long time. Learn more about these coffees.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are rare and are rarely used around the globe. They account for less than 2% of the global coffee consumption and are often overlooked due to the fact that they don't have the same amount of caffeine as Arabica and Robusta do. However, they do have a unique taste that many coffee enthusiasts find irresistible.
Despite being extremely rare, Liberica coffee beans are still very popular in many parts of Asia. These beans are most common in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a huge Muslim community. In these countries, the coffee industry has been very active for many years. Drinking a cup of coffee after prayer is a part of their tradition.
Liberica coffee's history dates back to 1890s in the 1890s, when a global outbreak caused by coffee leaf rust caused a massive loss of the arabica crop. The event spurred coffee producers to search for a more resilient plant that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica.
Liberica plants have a high tolerance for pests and diseases making them a great alternative to the devastation of the arabica crop. Liberica also has the capacity to flourish in hot temperatures and lower altitudes. This allowed it to flourish in the climate of Southeast Asia. Liberica beans are the main ingredient in the production of the coffee in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Excelsa
Although it is not common for coffee enthusiasts to find excelsa beans, they are now gaining recognition for their distinct flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth-generation farmer of coffee excelsa beans have a teardrop-like form, but are smaller. It's important to keep in mind that despite the family resemblance between excelsa and liberica however, this species is not distinct from the other species.
It's not easy to categorize excelsa beans. This confusion is to blame for the low their presence in the contemporary coffee world. Many growers, roasters and brewers are unaware of how to properly cultivate and utilize these beans.
In the end, it's entirely up to the individual to decide whether they like the flavor of the coffee excelsa and it could take a bit of time to find a blend that matches your preferences. The key is to be open to new ideas and give every kind of coffee a go until you find one you truly enjoy. You'll get to explore the wide range of options these unique beans offer. It's a trip that's worth the journey.