Want to understand the different types of coffee beans? This post will guide you to understand the different types of beans and how they influence the flavor of your cup of coffee. We will also help you shop for the right coffee beans that will fit your taste.
Millions of people worldwide like coffee as a beverage; one of its distinguishing characteristics is its flavor and taste.
But did you know that the flavor of coffee can vary depending on the type of beans used?
This blog post will discuss the various types of coffee beans and their distinctive flavor characteristics.
If you are interested in a roasting guide, follow this link.
Introduction
The seeds come from the coffee plant’s fruit. These small, black beans serve as the basis for your tasty everyday cup of coffee. The flavor of the coffee depends on which variety of beans is chosen.
Because of this, understanding the many coffee bean varieties and their flavor characteristics can help coffee enthusiasts make knowledgeable choices about which coffee beans to drink and enjoy.
Understanding how to make the choice between different types of beans can also help them discover new and unique coffee flavors that they might not have known before.
To start with it is important to note that there are four major types of coffee beans:
- Arabica
- Robusta
- Liberica
- Excelsa
Arabica Beans
The species Coffea arabica, also sometimes referred to as Arabic coffee, is the most widely grown variety of coffee today, accounting for around 60% of all production worldwide.
It is said to be the first species of coffee to have been cultivated. Yemen is where Arabica coffee is from and where it was initially grown. Compared to robusta bean, it is less bitter and more caffeinated.
These beans are adored by coffee lovers because, although having a greater acidity, they tend to have a sweeter, gentler taste with tones of fruits, flowers, chocolate, and nuts. They are also known for their bright and complex flavors.
Arabica beans are grown mainly in tropical climates near the equator. Some of the best Arabica coffee producers are in Ethiopia, India, Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil.
Robusta Beans
The origins of the Robusta coffee species are in central and western sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite being more commonly known as Coffea robusta, the plant’s scientific name is Coffea canephora.
Between 40% and 45% of all coffee produced worldwide comes from Coffea robusta, with the majority coming from Coffea arabica.
The chemical makeup of coffee beans from robusta and arabica differs in various ways. Compared to arabica beans, robusta beans have lower acidity, higher bitterness, and a more woody and less fruity flavor.
Robusta beans are used in many commercial coffee blends and are considered to be of lower quality compared to Arabica beans.
Liberica Beans
The flowering plant species Liberica is indigenous to western and central Africa, from Liberia to Uganda and Angola. The plant was also naturalized in the Philippines, Indonesia, Seychelles, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Malaysia.
Liberica trees can grow to a height of 66 ft (20 m). Because of their height, ladders are used to harvest them.
Less than 1.5% of coffee farmed for commercial purposes is coffee Liberica.
Since they are regarded as a unique variety of coffee beans and are less common than Arabica or Robusta beans, they are frequently used in specialty coffee blends.
Coffee fans have diverse opinions about Liberica coffee because of its wildly inconsistent flavor. If you try it you either love it or don’t.
Some coffee enthusiasts adore the odd flavor—which is nutty, woody, and finishes with a subtle backbite. Some coffee fans, however, don’t like it and compare the flavor to burnt trash.
Excelsa
Although Excelsa officially belongs to the Liberica family, its species is a bit different. Similar to the Liberica coffee previously mentioned, Excelsa originates in western and central Africa and is primarily grown in Southeast Asia. It accounts for a very small portion of global coffee production.
In addition to having a tart, fruitier flavor, Excelsa is renowned for combining characteristics of both light and dark roast coffees to produce a distinctive profile that is highly sought after by coffee connoisseurs.
Blends and Specialty Beans
After seeing the different types of coffee beans, let’s look now at the blends and how they differ from single-origin coffee.
Coffee lovers distinguish between single-origin coffee and specialty blended coffee.
But what is the difference?
Simply said, single-origin coffees come from a single source, which could be a single country, one farm, or even a single piece of land on a farm. This implies that these coffees have more distinctive flavor profiles that reflect the characteristics of the regions in which they were grown.
In other words, single-origin beans are known for their unique flavor profiles that are frequently influenced by their place of origin and growing circumstances.
Single origins are often considered superior quality by coffee lovers because, among other things, They are more ethical and traceable.
However, a blend consists of two or more coffees that have been blended, either before or after roasting. Whatever coffees are used in a blend, they should complement one another to provide a well-balanced flavor.
The flavor of blended coffee can be considerably influenced by the different origins of the blends. They produce distinctive and nuanced flavors that are not possible with single-origin beans.
An example of a common blend is blending dark roasts, which have a robust and smooth flavor, and medium roasts, which have a balanced flavor and a moderate caffeine concentration.
Which coffee flavor to choose?
After understanding the different types of coffee beans, let us now look at how you can shop for coffee!
- If you are looking for coffee that is 100% Arabica if you want the best flavor and don’t mind paying a little bit more.
- Opt for a Robusta or a blend of Arabica and Robusta if you want to save money, like more caffeine, and don’t mind a little bitterness
- Liberica or Excelsa beans can be your choice if you’d taste something unique. The only issue you will have is that they are very rare. If you find these beans, be ready to have a taste of unusual and wonderful coffee flavor.
Whatever your choice is, we suggest you purchase whole beans and grind the coffee right before brewing. This will result in better flavor.
Conclusion
We looked at the many varieties of coffee beans and their flavor qualities in this blog post. Each variety of coffee beans, including Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and blends, has a distinctive flavor and set of qualities. You may select the ideal coffee for you and savor the diverse flavors that coffee has to offer by being aware of the various sorts of coffee beans.
Consider the type of coffee beans that were used in your cup the next time you’re in a coffee shop to learn about their distinct flavors.