Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee we sip there are carefully graded beans. They are graded based on color, size and shape.

The AA grade is granted to coffee beans that fulfill the criteria above, with the exception that they can't contain more than three defects (quakers). These are typically Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee bean company beans, also referred to as Coffea arabica are the most coveted type of coffee beans in the world. According to the legend, coffee was discovered by the goatherder of Ethiopia after he observed that his herd was more full of energy when they consumed the fruits of the plant. This led him to study roasting and brewing the seeds, creating the beverage we now know and love today.

While many varieties of coffee plants exist however, there are two primary species used as the foundation for our favorite drinks: arabica and robusta. The former is generally thought superior to the latter, and this is evident in the flavor of the finished beverage.

There are many varieties of arabica cultivars, each each having its own unique flavour profile. Two of the most well-known varieties are Typica and Bourbon, from which the other arabica varieties were developed either through natural mutations or intentional crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for instance was created in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinct chocolate flavor.

The taste of an arabica variety will vary based on the conditions under which it is planted, and also how it is processed and roasted. For instance, the type of shade a tree receives along with its altitude and soil composition may all play an important influence on the final outcome.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee beans. They are used in most instant coffees and have twice as much caffeine than Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also utilized in many espresso blends, particularly for caffe latte and cappuccino.

Coffea Canephora is an African plant that was first discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been grown all over the world since then. It can be grown at lower elevations, and can withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it more suited to farmers. Vietnam is currently the biggest producer of robusta coffee followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

Although the robusta plant has its advantages but it's not as loved by cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and smoky rubber notes. Most major coffee companies utilize arabica beans in their premium coffees because it's considered to be a less premium coffee.

The demand for premium coffees is growing and small roasters are exploring to benefit from its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java coffee and Death With Coffee coffee are two examples. Both are exceptional robustas that are blended with arabica to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and strength. These coffees are expertly sourced from Uganda where robusta was grown for centuries. You can read more about them here.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are scarce and aren't used much around the world. They are less than 2% of the global coffee consumption and are often overlooked since they don't have as much caffeine as Arabica and Robusta do. These beans have a distinct flavor that a lot of coffee drinkers find appealing.

Despite being extremely scarce, Liberica coffee beans are still quite popular in some parts of Asia. They are most prevalent in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a large Muslim community. The coffee industry in these countries has always been extremely strong and coffee during prayer is a part of the tradition.

Liberica coffee's history dates back to 1890s which was the time when a global epidemic caused by coffee leaf rust decimated the arabica crop. This caused coffee makers to search for an alternative species that could thrive in tropical climates, and they soon discovered the Liberica plant.

Liberica plants are resistant to pests and diseases, making them a perfect replacement for the devastated arabica crop. Liberica also has the ability to thrive in temperatures that are hot and lower altitudes. This allowed it to thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. Liberica beans are the main ingredient in the production of the coffee that is produced in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Excelsa

While it's not common for coffee lovers to see excelsa beans in their cups, these more rare beans are beginning to earn the reputation of having a distinct flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer with South India Coffee Co. They are "a variant of the liberica species and have a similar teardrop shape but smaller size." It's important to understand that despite the resemblance in family between excelsa and liberica the species isn't an individual one.

It's unclear how to classify excelsa coffeee beans (hyperlink). This confusion is largely to blame for the low presence of these beans in the modern world of coffee. Because of this, many roasters, growers and brewers aren't sure how to cultivate and use these beans properly.

In the end, it's entirely up to the individual to decide what they prefer about the taste of excelsa coffee. It may take a amount of time to find a blend that matches your preferences. The most important thing is to remain open-minded and try every type of coffee a shot until you discover one you truly love. If you do this you'll have the chance to discover the wide variety of possibilities these unique beans have to offer. It's a journey that's well worth the ride.