Types of Coffee Beans Behind every cup of coffee that we enjoy, there are carefully graded beans. These beans are evaluated by their size color, shape, and density. The AA grade is assigned to coffee beans that satisfy all the above criteria except they cannot 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 sought-after type of bean around the globe. Legend has it that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder noticed his herd dancing with more energy after eating the fruit of the coffee plant. This led him to experiment with roasting the seeds and then brewing them, making the drink that we love today. There are many different types of coffee plants, however only two are used to make our favorite brews - robusta and arabica. The former is generally considered to be superior to the latter, and this is evident in the flavor of the finished beverage. There are many different arabica cultivars. Each has its own distinct taste profile. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon, from which the other arabica varieties have been developed, either by natural mutation or through deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya that is renowned for its distinctive chocolate taste. The taste of the arabica variety is contingent on the conditions in which it was planted, and also the way it was handled and roasted. For instance, the type of shade a tree receives in its altitude, its elevation and soil composition can all play a significant influence on the final outcome. Robusta Robusta coffee beans, also known as coffee canephora, are the second most widely used variety of coffee beans. They are used in the majority of instant coffees, and they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used in numerous espresso blends, especially for cappuccino and caffe latte. Coffea Canephora is an African plant that was first discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been grown all over the world since. It can grow at lower elevations and is able to withstand higher temperatures than the Arabica coffee plant, making it a more convenient crop for farmers. Vietnam is currently the largest producer of robusta coffee, followed by Brazil and Indonesia. Although the robusta plant has its benefits However, it's not adored by cupping aficionados for its bitter taste and smoky rubber notes. It's often regarded as a poorer quality coffee, and a majority of the major coffee companies make use of arabica beans to create premium products. The demand for premium coffees is increasing, and small roasters are also experimenting to take advantage its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two examples of outstanding robusta coffees. They are mixed with arabica to create the perfect balance of flavour and strength. These coffees are expertly sourced from Uganda where robusta has been grown for centuries. You can read more about them here. Liberica Liberica coffee beans are scarce and are rarely used 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 have the same amount of caffeine that Arabica and Robusta do. These beans have a distinctive flavor that a lot of coffee drinkers find irresistible. Despite being extremely rare, Liberica coffee beans are still very popular in many parts of Asia. They are particularly popular in Malaysia and Indonesia, which have large Muslim population. In these countries, the coffee industry has been very strong for many years. The consumption of a cup of coffee after prayer is a part of their culture. The background of Liberica coffee began in the 1890s when a worldwide epidemic of coffee leaf rust destroyed the majority of the world's arabica crop. This triggered coffee makers to search for a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica plant. Liberica plants are resistant to disease and pests which makes them the perfect replacement for the destroyed arabica crop. Liberica can also thrive in lower altitudes as well as hot temperatures that allow it to thrive in the Southeast Asian climate. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans is why, in the present the majority of the coffee produced in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia is derived from Liberica beans. Excelsa While it's not common for coffee lovers to find excelsa beans in their cups, these unique beans are starting to gain recognition for their distinctive flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth generation coffee farmer, these beans have a similar teardrop shape, but are smaller. But despite this family resemblance it's important to know that excelsa is technically not a separate species. It's a bit confusing how excelsa beans should be classified. It's this confusion that's been the reason for the beans' insignificant presence in the world of coffee. Because of this, many roasters, farmers, and brewers don't know how to cultivate or utilize these beans effectively. It's ultimately up to each individual to decide if he or she likes the flavor of excelsa, and it could take a while to find the perfect blend. The most important thing is to remain open-minded and try every type of coffee a try until you find one you truly enjoy. You'll discover the many possibilities these unique beans can offer. It's an experience that's worth the effort.