If you enjoy drinking coffee, you may have wondered how many various kinds of coffee beans there are and what makes each one special. The answers are here!
Coffee beans come in four types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Arabica and Robusta are the most popular (and well-liked), but you could get lucky and come across the other two. Learn more about these wonderful beans and get a few useful buying tips on this post.
Arabica Coffee Beans
About 60% of the coffee consumed worldwide is made from Arabica coffee beans, which are by far the most common form of coffee beans. These delicious beans may have been the first coffee beans ever drank since they were thought to have originated in the highlands of Ethiopia many centuries ago. The popularity of the beans in 7th-century Arabia (nowadays Yemen) is perhaps where the term Arabica originates.
Arabica beans have the drawback of being more challenging to produce. Therefore, Arabica beans cost more. All coffee beans are grown In the 50 countries that make up the so-called Bean Belt, which lies between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. But for Arabica beans to grow correctly, more shade, water, and high altitude are necessary.
How do they Taste?
The best kind of coffee beans is said to be Arabica beans. They are famous for their flavor, which is smooth, rich, and noticeably lacks bitterness.
Arabica beans can have a variety of flavors, from earthy Indonesian to flowery Ethiopian, depending on where they are produced. Pick up a bag of single-origin Arabica beans to wow your taste buds!
The Barista Tip
Keep in mind that serving Arabica beans cold or with creamer reduces their quality. It is ideally served hot, possibly prepared using the drip or pour-over method.
Robusta Coffee Beans
Robusta is the second most common type of coffee bean. Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, this bean is currently mostly planted in Africa and Indonesia. It is particularly well-liked in Vietnam and frequently included in coffee blends. Since it is less expensive, roasters may choose this type without spending much money.
Compared to other coffee bean types, Robusta beans are bigger and rounder. Between 15 and 20 feet tall, these plants often grow significantly larger than Arabica plants. Because they can grow at lower altitudes and are disease resistant, Robusta beans are often thought of as being more sturdy.
How do they Taste?
Robusta coffee is frequently seen as being rougher and more bitter. It typically has a strong aroma and a taste that seems to be dull and nearly scorched. Additionally, Robusta beans have a lot more caffeine than Arabica beans. However, we suggest trying it every once in a while, You might be surprised!
The Barista Tip
For those who enjoy cream and sugar, this coffee bean is ideal! When milk or sugar are added, Robusta won’t lose any of its taste.
Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica coffee, which gets its name from Liberia in central and western Africa, is highly regarded for its rich flowery scent and robust, smokey flavor. Although regularly combined with other types to add body and depth, this hardy species seldom ever receive any recognition. Prior to the late 1800s, Liberica was unheard of in Western culture but gained its foothold when a fungal disease called “coffee rust” decimated the Arabica plantations in Southeast Asia.
The majority of Liberica cherries often have an irregular form and resemble Robusta more in size and overall look since they come from a much larger plant than Arabica or Robusta. It tolerates hot, humid weather and grows well at low altitudes. Now grown mostly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, this coffee bean accounts for around 2% of global coffee production. Liberica beans make up more than 95% of the coffee production in Malaysia. However, it is uncommon in markets in North America and Europe.
How do they Taste?
Wild inconsistency in Liberica coffee has a controversial and divisive reputation. If you’ve tasted this rare flavor, you either love it or you don’t. Some coffee enthusiasts like the odd flavor—which is nutty, woody, and ends with a subtle backbite. Some people associate the flavor with burnt trash.
Excelsa Coffee Beans
Excelsa is the name of the fourth main kind of coffee bean. Scientists recently categorized it as a Liberica variation, despite the fact that it was previously believed to be a distinct coffee species.
About 7% of the coffee consumed worldwide is Excelsa, which is mostly grown in Southeast Asia. It is often included in blends to give the coffee a taste and complexity boost, better affecting the middle and rear palates. Excelsa has a tart and fruity body with notes of a light roast that are also dark and roasty in some way.