Types of Coffee Beans
Behind every cup of coffee we drink there are carefully graded beans. These beans are graded on color, size and shape.
The AA grade is given to coffee beans that meet all the above criteria except they cannot contain more than three deficient qualities (quakers). Most often, these are Kenya AA beans.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans, also referred to as Coffea arabica, are the most popular kind of coffee beans in the world. Legend has it that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when goat herders noticed their herd's energy levels increased after eating the fruit of the coffee plant. This inspired him to explore roasting and making the seeds, resulting in the beverage we know and love today.
Although a variety of coffee plants are available, there are only two major species used as the foundation for our favorite coffees: robusta and arabica. The former is generally thought superior to the latter, and this is reflected in the taste of the final drink.
There are many different arabica cultivars. Each one has its own distinct taste profile. Two of the most well-known varieties are Typica and Bourbon and from which the other varieties of arabica have been developed, either through natural mutation or deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya that is renowned for its distinct chocolaty flavor.
The taste of an arabica variety will be determined by the climate in which it is planted, and also how it is handled and roasted. The type of shade that the tree gets can have a significant impact on the final product.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular variety of coffee beans. They are utilized in the majority of instant coffees. They also contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica Coffee Beans. They also are used in the making of many espresso blends including cappuccino, caffe latte, and other beverages made from coffee.
Coffea Canephora is a plant that originated from Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been cultivated all over the world since. It can grow at lower elevations and tolerate higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it a better choice for farmers. Vietnam is the largest producer of robusta followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
While unroasted coffee beans has its benefits However, it's not adored by cupping enthusiasts for its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. Many large coffee companies employ arabica beans to make their top products since it's regarded as a lower-quality coffee.
The demand for premium coffees is growing, and small roasters are exploring to take advantage its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two exceptional robusta coffees that are mixed with arabica to give the perfect balance of flavour and strength. The coffees are carefully sourced from Uganda, where robusta has been grown for long periods of time. You can read more about them here.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are an uncommon variety that is not often used in the world. They are less than 2% of the global coffee consumption and are often overlooked due to the fact that they don't contain as much caffeine as Arabica and Robusta do. However, these beans have distinct flavor that many coffee lovers find irresistible.
Liberica coffee beans, despite being extremely rare and extremely scarce, are still quite popular in certain 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 robust for a long time. A cup of coffee after prayer is a part of their culture.
Liberica coffee's history dates back to the 1890s after a worldwide epidemic caused by coffee leaf rust destroyed the arabica crop. This incident prompted coffee farmers to look for a robust plant that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica.
Liberica plants have a high tolerance for pests and diseases, which made them a perfect replacement for the devastated arabica crop. Liberica also has the ability to flourish in hot temperatures and lower altitudes, allowing it to flourish 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
Although it is not common for coffee drinkers to find excelsa beans, they are beginning to gain recognition for their distinctive flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth-generation coffee farmer the beans have a similar teardrop shape, however they are smaller. It is important to note that despite the close resemblance between excelsa and liberica however, this species is not a separate one.
It's a little bit confusing as to the best way to classify excelsa beans. classified. It's this confusion that's been at the root of this beans' minimal presence in the contemporary world of coffee. Because of this, a lot of roasters, growers and brewers aren't sure how to cultivate or utilize these beans in a proper manner.
It is ultimately up to each individual to decide if they enjoy the flavor of excelsa, and it can take a while to find the right blend. It is important to be open and try different kinds of coffee until you discover the one that you like. You'll have the chance to explore the many possibilities these unique beans can offer. This is a journey worth taking.