Types of Coffee Beans
Behind every cup of coffee we drink there are beans that have been carefully graded. These beans are analyzed based on their size as well as color, shape, and density.
The AA grade is awarded to coffee beans that meet the criteria above, except that they cannot contain more than 3 defects (quakers). These are usually Kenya AA beans.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans, also referred to as Coffea arabica are the most well-known type of bean around the globe. According to the legend coffee was discovered by a goatherder in Ethiopia after he noticed that his livestock had more energy when they consumed the fruit of the plant. This led him to experiment with roasting and making the seeds, resulting in the drink we all know and love today.
While a myriad of coffee plants are available however, there are two species that are used as the basis for all our favorite brews: arabica and robusta. The former is generally considered superior to the latter and this is evident in the flavor of the final drink.
There are many different arabica cultivars. Each one has distinct flavor profiles. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon from which all other arabica varieties have been developed, through natural mutation or deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya which is famous for its distinct chocolaty flavor.
The taste of an arabica variety depends on the conditions in the conditions it was cultivated, and also on how it was handled and cooked. For example, the type of shade a tree receives, its altitude and soil composition could all play a influence on the final outcome.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most sought-after variety of coffee beans. They are the beans used for most instant coffees and have twice as much caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used in many espresso blends, notably for cappuccino and caffe latte.
Coffea Canephora is a plant that originated in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been cultivated all over the world since. It can thrive at lower elevations, and can withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it a better choice for farmers. Vietnam is currently the biggest producer of robusta coffee, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
While the robusta coffee plant has its merits but it's not as loved by cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. Most major coffee companies utilize arabica bean for their premium coffees because it's considered to be a less premium coffee.
The demand for gourmet coffees is growing and small roasters are also experimenting to take advantage its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two exceptional robusta coffees that are blended with arabica to provide the perfect blend of flavour and strength. These coffees originate from Uganda in a country where robusta has been cultivated for a long time. You can learn more about them here.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are rare varieties that are seldom used around the globe. They account for less than 2% of world's coffee consumption, and are often overlooked since they don't contain the same amount of caffeine as Arabica and Robusta do. These beans have a distinct flavor that many coffee drinkers find irresistible.
gourmet coffee beans , although extremely rare however, are quite popular in a few regions of Asia. They are most prevalent in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a huge Muslim community. In these countries the coffee industry has been very steady for a number of years. A cup of coffee after prayers is a part of their tradition.
The background of Liberica coffee began in the 1890s, when a global epidemic of coffee leaf rust wiped out most of the world's arabica crop. The event prompted coffee producers to discover a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica plant.
Liberica plants have a high tolerance for diseases and pests which makes them a great alternative to the ravaged arabica crop. Liberica also has the capacity to thrive in hot temperatures and lower altitudes, which enabled it to flourish in the climate of Southeast Asia. This is why, today, most of the coffee that is produced in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia originates from Liberica beans.
Excelsa
Although it's not typical for coffee drinkers to find excelsa beans in their cups, these unique beans are starting to gain a reputation for their unique flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer with South India Coffee Co., these beans are "a variant of the liberica species that has the same teardrop shape, but smaller size." But despite the family resemblance it is important to remember that excelsa is technically not a distinct species.
It's not clear how to categorize excelsa beans. This confusion is reason for the insufficient existence of these beans in the modern coffee world. Many roasters, growers and brewers don't know how to properly cultivate and use these beans.
It is ultimately up to the individual to determine whether they enjoy the flavor of the coffee excelsa and it may take a time to discover a blend that is suitable for their preferences. It's crucial to be flexible and try different kinds of coffee until you find the one that you like. If you do this you'll be able to explore the entire range of possibilities that these unique beans can provide. It's a journey that's well worth the effort.