Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee we enjoy there are beans that have been carefully graded. The beans are graded based on the size, color and shape.

The AA grade is given to coffee beans that fulfill the above criteria, with the exception that they cannot contain more than three defects (quakers). They are typically Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica good coffee beans decaf beans coffee are also known as Coffea Arabicica and are the most coveted coffee in the world. The legend says that Coffee bean suppliers near me was discovered in Ethiopia when goat herders noticed their herd's dancing more vigorously after eating the fruits of the coffee plant. This inspired him to explore roasting and making the seeds, resulting in the beverage we now know and love to this day.

There are a variety of coffee plants, but only two are used to make our most popular brews: arabica and robusta. The former is generally considered to be superior to the latter and this is reflected in the flavor of the finished beverage.

There are a number of different cultivars of arabica, with each possessing its own distinctive flavor profile. Typica and Bourbon are two of the most well-known arabica cultivars. The other arabica varieties were developed from these two varieties, either through natural mutations or through deliberate crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for example was created in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinct chocolate flavor.

The flavor of an arabica variety will vary based on the conditions under the area it is grown and also on how it is processed and roasted. For example, the type of shade that a tree receives along with its altitude and soil composition may all play an important role in the coffee bean shop final result.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans, also referred to as coffee canephora are the second most used kind of coffee beans. These beans are commonly used in instant coffees, and contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They also are used in the making of many espresso blends - especially for cappuccino, caffe latte and various other coffee drinks.

The Coffea Canephora plant originated in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been cultivated around the globe. It can grow at lower elevations, and can withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, which makes it more convenient for farmers. Vietnam is the largest producer of robusta followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

While the robusta coffee plant has its merits but it's not as loved by cupping enthusiasts for its bitter taste and smoky rubber notes. The majority of large coffee companies use arabica beans to make their top-quality products since it is considered a lower-quality coffee.

The demand for gourmet coffees is increasing, and small roasters are exploring to capitalize on its outstanding 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 between quality and flavor. These are coffees from Uganda which is a nation where robusta has long been cultivated. You can learn more about them here.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are rare and aren't used much around the world. They make up less than 2% of worldwide coffee consumption. They are often overlooked due to the fact that they don't contain the same amount of caffeine that Arabica and Robusta do. But, they have distinctive taste that many coffee enthusiasts find irresistible.

Liberica coffee beans, despite being extremely rare, are still quite popular in certain parts of Asia. The most common place for these beans is in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a large Muslim community. In these countries the coffee industry has been very strong for many years. A cup of coffee beans in bulk after a prayer is an integral part of their tradition.

Liberica coffee's history dates back to 1890s in the 1890s, when a global outbreak caused by rust on the coffee leaf destroyed the arabica crop. This incident prompted coffee farmers to search for a more resilient plant that would thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered Liberica.

Liberica plants are resistant to diseases and pests, making 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 thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. This is why, today, most of the coffee that is produced in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia is made from Liberica beans.

Excelsa

Although it is rare for coffee drinkers to find excelsa beans, they are quickly gaining recognition for their distinctive flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee beans shop farmer with South India Coffee Co., these beans are "a variation of the liberica species, and have similar teardrop-like shapes but are smaller in size." However despite the family resemblance it's important to understand that excelsa is technically not a distinct species.

It's not easy to classify excelsa beans. This confusion is largely responsible for the lack of the presence of these beans in the current coffee industry. Many roasters, growers, and brewers are unaware of how to properly cultivate and utilize these beans.

Ultimately, it's up the individual to determine what they prefer about the taste of excelsa coffee. It might take a bit of time to find a blend that fits their preferences. It's crucial to be flexible and test every type of coffee until you've found the one you like. You'll have the chance to explore the full range of possibilities the unique beans have to offer. This is a journey worth taking.