Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee we enjoy there are carefully graded beans. The beans are evaluated based on their size color, shape, and density.

The AA rating is given to coffee beans that fulfill the criteria above, with the exception that they can't have more than 3 defects (quakers). Typically, these are Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans, also referred to as Coffea arabica are the most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. Legend has it that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when goat herders noticed their herd swaying with more energy after eating the fruits of the coffee plant. This led him to experiment with roasting and making the seeds, resulting in the beverage we know and love today.

While a myriad of coffee plants are available but there are only two species that are used as the base for all of our favorite coffees: Beans coffee robusta and arabica. The flavor of the final beverage is typically more appealing with the robusta variety.

There are a variety of arabica cultivars. Each has their own distinctive taste. Typica and Bourbon are two of the most well-known arabica cultivars. All other arabica cultivars were developed from these two varieties, either through natural mutations, or deliberate crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for instance was created in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinctive chocolatey flavour.

The taste of the arabica variety is contingent on the conditions under the conditions it was cultivated, and also on how it was handled and cooked. For example, the type of shade that a tree receives in its altitude, its elevation and soil composition could all play a significant part in the final flavor.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans, also known as coffee canephora are the second most common kind of coffee beans. They are commonly used in instant coffees. They also contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used in a variety of espresso blends, specifically for caffe latte and cappuccino.

Coffea Canephora is an African plant that was first discovered 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 the Arabica coffee plant, which makes it a more suitable crop for farmers. Vietnam is the world's largest producer of robusta, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

Although the robusta plant has its advantages however, it's not as adored by cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and smoky rubber notes. It's generally regarded as a poorer quality coffee, and a majority of the major chocolate coffee beans companies make use of arabica beans to create premium products.

However the demand for premium coffee is increasing and small roasters are testing premium robusta varieties to benefit from its superior 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 between strength and flavour. These coffees are expertly procured from Uganda where robusta has been cultivated for hundreds of years. You can read more about them here.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are rare varieties that are seldom used in the world. They account for less than 2% of the worldwide coffee consumption. They are often overlooked because they don't have as much caffeine as Arabica and Robusta do. But, they have a unique taste that many coffee enthusiasts find irresistible.

Liberica coffee ground beans coffee, though extremely scarce they are still very well-loved in a few parts of Asia. They are most popular in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is significant Muslim population. The coffee industry in these countries has traditionally been extremely strong and the cup of coffee after prayer is part of the culture.

Liberica coffee's roots go back to the 1890s after a worldwide epidemic caused by coffee leaf rust devastated the arabica crop. This event spurred highest rated coffee beans makers to search for a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates, and they quickly discovered the Liberica plant.

Liberica plants have a high tolerance to diseases and pests which makes them an ideal substitute for the ravaged arabica crop. Liberica can also thrive in lower altitudes as well as hot temperatures which coffee beans are the best enables it to thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. This is the reason why, today the majority of the coffee that is produced in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia is derived from Liberica beans.

Excelsa

Although it's rare for coffee drinkers to see excelsa coffee beans in their cups, these unique beans are beginning to earn a reputation for their unique flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer with South India Coffee Co., these beans are "a variation of the liberica species, and have similar teardrop shapes, however, they are smaller." It is important to note that, despite the resemblance of family between excelsa and liberica the species isn't a separate one.

As such, it's a bit hazy as to how excelsa beans should be categorized and it's this confusion that has largely been the reason for the beans coffee (visit the following post)' lack of presence in the contemporary world of coffee. Because of this, many roasters, farmers, and brewers aren't sure how to cultivate and use the beans correctly.

In the end, it's entirely up the individual to determine if they like the taste of excelsa coffee. It could take a longer to discover a blend that is suitable for their preferences. It is important to be open, and try each type of coffee until you've found the one you love. You'll be able to explore the many possibilities these unique beans can offer. It's an experience that's worth the ride.