Coffee beans are the foundation of any good cup of coffee. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and flavors depending on their origin and how they were processed. Different types of coffee beans have different levels of flavor, aroma, and caffeine content.
Knowing the various types of coffee beans can help you choose the perfect bean for your next cup. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular varieties and discuss their differences in flavor, aroma, and caffeine content.
Table of Contents:
Arabica Coffee Beans
Robusta Coffee Beans
Liberica Coffee Beans
Excelsa Coffee Beans
Now is Up to You…
Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans are the most common type of coffee beans, and they are typically the highest quality ones. Arabica beans are small and round and have a soft, light color.
They contain a high caffeine content that can range from 1.2-1.7%, depending on the variety, which makes them ideal for making espresso drinks as they produce a strong, smooth flavor with low acidity and bitterness or for making cold brews due to their low acidity and sweetness.
Arabica beans can also be used to make dark roast coffee, but it will not have an intense flavor or aroma like an immoderately heated dark roast would normally have.
They are known for their unique characteristics, including a sweet taste with hints of chocolate or nuts, a more intense aroma that is often described as fruity or floral, and a smoother body than other types of coffee beans. They do not contain any tannins, acids, or oils.
Arabica coffee beans were first discovered in Ethiopia in the 11th century. It is believed that they were then spread throughout the Middle East and eventually made their way to Europe and North America during the 16th century.
Today, Arabica coffee beans are grown in many countries around the world including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and India. The flavor and aroma of these beans can vary depending on where they are grown and how they are processed.
Robusta Coffee Beans
Robusta coffee beans are the strongest tasting and contain more oils, acids, and tannings than other varieties. The extra oils give these types of beans a fuller body and stronger aroma that makes them ideal for blending in with other coffee flavors and a popular choice for many coffee drinkers.
The characteristics of Robusta coffee beans include their hearty flavor and earthy aroma. They are also known for their ability to hold up well to roasting and brewing methods. These beans have the highest caffeine content out of all the other types of coffee beans, between 2.5-3%, and they contain around twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans.
Robusta coffee beans were first found in Ethiopia, near Lake Tana in the late 19th century. They were then exported to other parts of Africa and eventually to Europe. Nowadays, they are primarily produced in Africa, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Brazil, and Colombia.
Each country has its own unique flavor profiles that make them stand out from the rest. For example, Vietnamese Robusta is known for its dark chocolate and nutty notes while Colombian Robusta has more sweet flavors like caramel and honey.
When correctly brewed, Robusta coffee beans can provide an intense yet smooth cup of coffee with notes of chocolate, nuts, and earthiness all coming together in perfect harmony. On the other hand, it can taste harsh and unpleasant with a short finish.
Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica coffee beans are a unique variety of coffee beans that have been gaining traction in the specialty coffee industry. These beans are grown in tropical regions and have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other types of coffee beans. They are known for their intense flavor, strong aroma, low acidity, and full body.
These coffee beans originated in West Africa. Since then, they have spread to other countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Vietnam, and other parts of the African continent.
The flavor profile of these beans is quite unique. It consists of bitter notes with a hint of spices, smoky wood, and wildflowers. They also have a high caffeine content that varies between 1.1-1.7% (depending on the origin, roast level, and brewing method used).
As said, the popularity of Liberica coffee beans is steadily increasing as more people become aware of their distinct characteristics and savors. With its bold taste and intense aroma, it’s no wonder why these unique coffee beans are becoming so popular among specialty coffee enthusiasts around the world.
Excelsa Coffee Beans
Excelsa coffee beans (also known as Coffea dewevrei) are a unique variety of Liberica coffee beans known for their distinct flavor and aroma. These coffee beans have a rich, tart, and fruity flavor profile with notes of citrus, and honey; they also have an intense fruity, floral aroma that is quite different from other types of beans.
Originating from Africa, as they are a variation of Liberica beans, these beans are grown in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. They can be found in countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, and India.
Due to their unique characteristics, Excelsa coffee beans can be used to create specialty drinks with complex flavors that are hard to replicate with other types of coffee beans. They are often used in espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes, as well as cold brews and iced coffees. Whether you’re looking for an exotic twist on your morning cup of Joe or a unique flavor profile for your specialty drinks, Excelsa coffee beans are sure to make an impact!
Now is Up to You…
It is well known that coffee is a special part of many people’s daily routine, that’s why it is so important to choose a type, or types, of coffee beans that will make every single cup of coffee we drink, the best one.
We have shown you the different varieties grown commercially, now it’s up to you to decide which is the option that will allow you to enjoy a good coffee every day!
