Types of Coffee Beans Behind every cup of coffee we enjoy, are carefully graded bean. These beans are analyzed based on their size, color, shape and density. The AA grade is awarded to coffee beans that satisfy all of the above criteria, but they shouldn't have more than three deficient qualities (quakers). Most often, these are Kenya AA beans. Arabica Arabica coffee beans, also referred to as Coffea arabica, are the most popular type of bean in the world. According to legend coffee was discovered by a goatherder in Ethiopia after he noticed that his herd had more energy when they consumed the fruits of the plant. This led him to try roasting and making the seeds, resulting in the drink we all know and love to this day. While a myriad of coffee plants are available, there are only two main species that are used to create the basis for our favorite coffees: robusta and arabica. The former is generally thought superior to the other, and this is evident in the flavor of the final drink. There are a number of varieties of arabica cultivars, each each possessing its own distinctive flavor profile. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon, from which the other varieties of arabica have been developed, either by natural mutation or through deliberate crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for example was developed in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinctive chocolate taste. The taste of an arabica variety depends on the conditions under which it was grown and also on how it was handled and roasted. For example, the type of shade that a tree receives as well as its altitude and soil composition could all play an important influence on the final outcome. Robusta Robusta coffee beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular variety of coffee. They are the beans used in the majority of instant drinks and have twice as much caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used in many espresso blends, particularly for caffe latte and cappuccino. The Coffea Canephora plant was first discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been cultivated all over the globe. It is able to grow at lower elevations and tolerate 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. The robusta plant is a good coffee, but it's not a favorite among cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and burnt-rubber notes. It's usually regarded as a poorer quality coffee, and a majority of the major coffee companies utilize arabica beans to make their premium products. The demand for premium coffees is increasing and small roasters are experimenting to make the most of its exceptional qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two excellent robusta coffees. They are blended with arabica to provide the perfect balance of flavor and strength. These coffees come from Uganda which is a nation where robusta has been cultivated for a long time. Learn more about these coffees. Liberica Liberica coffee beans are rare and are not used in the world. They're less than percent of the world's total consumption of coffee beans and are often overlooked since they don't have as much caffeine. They have a distinctive flavor that many coffee drinkers find appealing. Despite https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans , Liberica coffee beans are still popular in a few regions of Asia. They are particularly popular in Malaysia and Indonesia as they have large Muslim population. In these countries the coffee industry has been very strong for many years. A cup of coffee following a prayer is a part of their culture. Liberica coffee's roots go back to the 1890s, when a global epidemic caused by coffee leaf rust decimated the arabica crop. This triggered coffee producers to discover a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica plant. Liberica plants are resistant to pests and diseases which makes them the perfect replacement for the devastated arabica crop. Liberica can also be grown in lower altitudes and hot temperatures that allow it to thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. This is why, today the majority of the coffee grown in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia originates from Liberica beans. Excelsa Although it's not common for coffee lovers to come across excelsa beans, they are now gaining a reputation for having a distinct flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth-generation farmer of coffee excelsa beans have a teardrop-like shape, however they are smaller. However despite this family resemblance, it's important to note that excelsa is technically not a separate species. In this way, it's a little bit confusing as to how excelsa beans should be categorized and it's this confusion that's been the cause of the beans' insignificant presence in the contemporary world of coffee. Because of this, many roasters, farmers, and brewers don't know how to cultivate or utilize these beans properly. In the end, it's entirely up the individual to determine if they like the taste of excelsa coffee and it may take a little time to find a blend that fits their preferences. The key is to be open-minded and try every type of coffee a try until you discover one you truly enjoy. You'll be able to explore the wide range of options these unique beans offer. It's a trip worth taking.