Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee we enjoy, are carefully graded bean. They are graded based on the size, color and shape.

The AA grade is assigned to coffee beans that meet all the above criteria except they must not have more than three deficient quality (quakers). These are typically Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are also known as Coffea Arabicica and are the most sought-after coffee bean in the world. Legend has it that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when the goat herder saw his herd's dancing more vigorously after eating the fruit of the coffee plant. This prompted him to try roasting the seeds and then brewing them, creating the drink that we drink today.

While many types of coffee plants are available but there are only two main species that are used as the basis for all our favourite drinks: arabica and robusta. The former is generally thought to be superior to the latter and this is evident in the taste of the final drink.

There are a variety of different arabica cultivars, with every one having their own distinct flavor profile. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon which are the basis for all other arabica varieties have been created, through natural mutation or deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya and is renowned for its distinct chocolate flavor.

The flavour of a given arabica variety will vary based on the climate in which it is planted, and also on how it is handled and roasted. The type of shade trees receive will have a major impact on the final product.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee. These beans are used in the majority of instant coffees, and contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used to make many blends of espresso specifically for cappuccino caffe latte and other coffee drinks.

The Coffea Canephora plant was initially discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it is now grown throughout the globe. It is able to grow at lower elevations and can withstand higher temperatures than the Arabica coffee plant, making it a more convenient crop for farmers. Vietnam is the largest producer of robusta followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

Although the robusta plant has its merits but it's not as loved by cupping enthusiasts for its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. It's often regarded as to be a lower quality coffee and most large coffee companies utilize arabica beans to make their top 10 coffee beans quality products.

However the demand for premium coffee is growing and small roasters are trying out high-end robusta varieties in order to take advantage of its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java coffee and Death With Coffee coffee are two examples. Both are excellent robustas that are blended with arabica to achieve the perfect balance of quality and flavor. These coffees come from Uganda which is a nation where robusta has long been cultivated. Find out more about them.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are rare and rarely used throughout the globe. They comprise less than 2% of world's coffee beans wholesale suppliers consumption, and are often overlooked since they don't have as much caffeine as Arabica and Robusta do. However, these beans have distinct flavor that a lot of coffee lovers find appealing.

Despite being extremely scarce, Liberica coffee beans are still very popular in many parts of Asia. They are particularly popular in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is large Muslim population. The coffee industry in these countries has always been very robust, and drinking an espresso during prayer is a part of the culture.

The background of Liberica coffee dates back to the 1890s, when a global outbreak of coffee leaf rust destroyed the majority of the world's arabica crop. This event spurred coffee producers to find a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates. They quickly discovered the Liberica plant.

Liberica plants are resistant to pests and diseases which makes them an ideal replacement for the destroyed arabica crop. Liberica can also be grown in lower altitudes and hot temperatures that allow it to thrive in Southeast Asia's climate. Liberica beans are the main ingredient in the production of the coffee in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Excelsa

Although it is rare for coffee enthusiasts to find excelsa beans, they are quickly gaining an image for their unique flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer at South India Coffee Co., these beans are "a variant of the liberica species with the same teardrop shape, but a smaller size." However, despite this family resemblance, it's important to note that excelsa is technically not a distinct species.

It's a bit confusing the best way to classify excelsa beans. categorized and it's this confusion that's been the cause of the beans' insignificant presence in the contemporary world of coffee. Due to this, many roasters, farmers, and brewers aren't sure how to cultivate and use these beans properly.

It's ultimately up to each person to decide if they enjoy the flavor of excelsa. it can take a while to find the perfect blend. It's essential to be open and test every type of coffee until you've discovered the one you love. In this way you'll have the chance to experience the full potential these unique beans have to offer. This is a trip worth taking.