Types of Coffee Beans Behind every cup of coffee that we drink there are beans that have been carefully graded. The beans are evaluated based on their size and shape, color, shape and density. The AA grade is awarded to coffee beans that fulfill the criteria above, except that they can't have more than 3 defects (quakers). They are typically Kenya AA beans. Arabica Arabica coffee beans, also known as Coffea arabica, are the most popular kind of coffee beans in the world. According to legend coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goatherder Ethiopia after he observed that his herd had more energy when they ate the fruits of the plant. This led him to experiment with roasting and making the seeds into the drink we all know and love today. There are a variety of coffee plants, however only two are used to create our favorite brews - robusta and arabica. The taste of the final drink is usually better when you drink the earlier. There are a variety of different cultivars of arabica, each every one having their own distinct flavour profile. Typica and Bourbon are two of the most well-known arabica cultivars. All other arabica varieties were developed from these two varieties, either by natural mutations or intentional crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for instance was developed in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinctive chocolatey flavour. The flavour of a given arabica variety will be determined by the environmental conditions in which it is cultivated, as well as the way it is processed and roasted. The shade the tree gets can have a significant effect on the final product. Robusta Robusta coffee beans, also known as coffee canephora are the second most common kind of coffee. They are commonly used in instant coffees. They also contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also utilized in many espresso blends, specifically for cappuccino and caffe latte. 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 withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it more suitable for farmers. Vietnam is the largest producer of robusta, followed by Brazil and Indonesia. Although the robusta plant has its benefits but it's not as loved by cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and smoky rubber notes. Most major coffee companies utilize arabica bean for their top products since it's considered to be a less premium coffee. However, the demand for gourmet coffee is growing and small roasters are testing high-end robusta varieties in order to benefit from its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java coffee and Death With Coffee coffee are two examples. Both are excellent robustas that blend with arabica to create the perfect balance of strength and flavour. These beans are from Uganda in a country where robusta has been cultivated for a long time. Read more about them. Liberica Liberica coffee beans are a rare variety that are not often used in the world. They make up less than 2% the world's consumption of coffee beans and are often overlooked since they don't have the same amount of caffeine. These beans have a unique flavor that a lot of coffee drinkers find irresistible. https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans , despite being extremely rare and extremely scarce, are still quite well-loved in a few parts of Asia. They are most prevalent in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a huge Muslim community. The coffee industry in these countries has traditionally been very robust and a cup of joe during prayer is a part of the culture. The background of Liberica coffee dates back to the 1890s when a worldwide epidemic of coffee leaf rust destroyed most of the world's arabica crop. The event prompted coffee producers to find an alternative species that could thrive in tropical climates. They quickly discovered the Liberica plant. Liberica plants are resistant to disease and pests which makes them an ideal replacement for the devastated arabica crop. Liberica can also be grown in lower elevations and higher temperatures, which allows it to thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. This is the reason why, today the majority of the coffee that is produced in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia is made from Liberica beans. Excelsa Although it's not typical for coffee drinkers to find excelsa beans in their cups, these more rare beans are starting to gain a reputation for their unique flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth generation farmer of coffee the beans have a similar teardrop shape, but are smaller. However, despite this family resemblance, it's important to note that excelsa is technically not a distinct species. It's not clear how to classify excelsa beans. This confusion is responsible for the absence of existence of these beans in the modern world of coffee. Many roasters, growers, and brewers have no idea how to properly cultivate and use these beans. It is ultimately up to each individual to decide if they like the taste of excelsa. it could take a while to find the right blend. The most important thing is to remain open-minded and give each type of coffee a shot until you discover one you really enjoy. You'll get to explore the vast array of possibilities the unique beans provide. It's a journey worth the journey.