Types of Coffee Beans
Behind every cup of coffee that we enjoy, are carefully graded bean. These beans are examined according to their size as well as color, shape, and density.
The AA classification is given to coffee beans that meet all the above criteria except they must not contain more than three deficient qualities (quakers). These are typically 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 the goatherder of Ethiopia after he observed that his livestock had more energy when they consumed the fruits of the plant. This led him to experiment with roasting the seeds before brewing them, which resulted in the beverage that we love today.
While a myriad of coffee plants exist There are only two species that are used to create the basis for our favorite coffees: robusta and arabica. The former is generally considered superior to the latter, and this is reflected in the taste of the finished beverage.
There are many different arabica cultivars. Each one has distinct flavor profiles. Two of the most well-known varieties are Typica and Bourbon which are the basis for the other varieties of arabica have been developed, either through natural mutations or intentional crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya which is famous for its distinct chocolate flavor.
The flavor of a particular arabica variety will be determined by the climate in which it is cultivated, and also how it is treated and roasted. The kind of shade a tree receives will have a major impact on the final product.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans, also referred to as coffee canephora, are the second most used kind of coffee. They are the beans used in the majority of instant coffees and contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used in numerous espresso blends, particularly for cappuccino and caffe latte.
The Coffea Canephora plant was first discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been cultivated around the globe. It can grow at lower elevations and withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, which makes it more suitable for farmers. Vietnam is the world's largest producer of robusta, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
The robusta plant makes a wonderful coffee however it's not the most popular among cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and burnt-rubber aroma. It is often considered to be a lower quality coffee and the majority of large coffee companies utilize arabica beans to make their top quality products.
However, the demand for gourmet coffee is increasing and small roasters are trying out high-end robusta varieties in order to make the most of its exceptional qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two exceptional robusta coffees. They are mixed with arabica for the perfect blend of flavour and strength. These coffees come from Uganda in a country where robusta is a staple of the coffee industry for many years. You can read more about them here.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are scarce and aren't used much around the world. They make up less than 2 percent of the world's consumption of coffee beans, and are often overlooked since they do not have as much caffeine. They have a distinctive taste that a majority of coffee drinkers find irresistible.
Liberica coffee beans, despite being extremely rare, are still quite well-loved in a few parts of Asia. light roast coffee beans are most popular in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a large Muslim community. In these countries the coffee industry has been very strong for many years. Drinking a cup of coffee after prayers is a part of their customs.
Liberica coffee's history dates back to the 1890s, when a global epidemic caused by coffee leaf rust decimated the arabica crop. The event prompted coffee producers to discover an alternative species that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica plant.
Liberica plants are resistant to diseases and pests which makes them a great alternative to the ruined arabica crop. Liberica can also grow in lower altitudes and high temperatures that allow it to thrive in the Southeast Asian climate. This is why, in the present, most of the coffee produced in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia is made from Liberica beans.
Excelsa
Although it is not common for coffee enthusiasts to find excelsa beans, they are gaining a reputation for having a distinctive flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth-generation farmer of coffee, these beans have a teardrop-like shape, but are much smaller. It's important to understand that despite the close resemblance between excelsa and liberica but this is not a separate one.
It's not easy to categorize excelsa beans. This confusion is responsible for the lack of the presence of these beans in the modern world of coffee. Because of this, a lot of roasters, growers, and brewers don't know how to cultivate and utilize these beans properly.
It is ultimately up to the individual to decide what they prefer about the taste of the coffee excelsa and it may take a longer to find a blend that matches their preferences. The most important thing is to remain open-minded and give each type of coffee you can until you find one you truly love. If you do this, you'll be able to explore the entire potential these unique beans can offer. It's a trip that's worth the effort.