Blog entry by Mathew Deshotel
Types of Coffee Beans
Behind every cup of coffee that we drink there are carefully graded beans. These beans are examined by their size and shape, color, shape and density.
The AA grade is given to coffee beans that meet all the above criteria except they must not have more than three deficient quality (quakers). These beans are usually Kenya AA beans.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans are also referred to as Coffea Arabicica and are the most popular coffee bean in the world. According to the legend dark roast coffee beans was discovered by the goatherder of Ethiopia after he observed that his animals had more energy when they consumed the fruit of the plant. This inspired him to explore roasting and making the seeds, resulting in the beverage we now know and love today.
While a myriad of coffee plants exist but there are only two species that are used as the foundation for all our favourite beverages: robusta and arabica. The former is generally thought superior to the latter, and this is evident in the taste of the final drink.
There are a variety of different cultivars of arabica, each each having its own unique flavour profile. Two of the most well-known varieties are Typica and Bourbon, from which the other arabica varieties were developed either through natural mutations or through deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya which is famous for its distinct chocolate flavor.
The taste of the arabica variety is contingent on the conditions in which it was planted, and also the way it was handled and cooked. The shade trees receive can have a significant effect on the final product.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans, also known as coffee canephora are the second most widely used kind of coffee. They are the beans used to make the majority of instant coffees. They also have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used to make a variety of espresso blends including cappuccino, caffe latte, and other beverages that are speciality coffee beans-based.
The Coffea Canephora plant was originally discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been cultivated all over the world. It can be grown at lower elevations and tolerate higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it more convenient for farmers. Vietnam is the largest producer of robusta, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
The robusta plant makes a wonderful strong coffee beans however it's not a favorite among cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and burnt-rubber hints. Many large coffee companies employ arabica bean for their premium coffees because it's considered to be a less premium coffee.
However the demand for premium coffee is growing, and smaller roasters are exploring high-end robusta varieties to benefit from its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two exceptional robusta coffees. They are blended with arabica to provide the perfect balance of flavour and strength. These beans are from Uganda which is a country in which robusta has long been cultivated. Learn more about these coffees.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are a rare variety that are seldom used around the globe. They're less than percent of the total consumption of coffee beans and are often overlooked because they do not contain the same amount of caffeine. However, they do have an unique taste that many coffee enthusiasts find appealing.
Liberica coffee beans, despite being extremely rare however, are quite popular in certain parts of Asia. They are most popular in Malaysia and Indonesia with a large Muslim population. In these countries the coffee industry has been robust for a long time. A cup of coffee following a prayer is a part of their customs.
Liberica coffee's history dates back to 1890s, when a global epidemic caused by rust on the coffee leaf devastated the arabica crop. This caused coffee producers to search for a more resilient plant that would thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica.
Liberica plants have a high tolerance to diseases and pests which makes them an ideal substitute for the devastated arabica crop. Liberica can also thrive in lower altitudes and high temperatures, which allows it to thrive in Southeast Asia's climate. This is why today, most of the coffee grown in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia comes from Liberica beans.
Excelsa
While it isn't common for coffee lovers to find excelsa beans, they are quickly gaining recognition for their distinct flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth-generation farmer of coffee These beans have a teardrop-like shape, but are much smaller. But despite this resemblance to the family it's important to understand that excelsa is technically not a separate species.
It's a little bit confusing as to the best way to classify excelsa beans. classified and it's this confusion that has been the cause of the coffeee Beans' absence in the contemporary world of coffee. Due to this, many growers, roasters, and brewers don't know how to grow and utilize these beans in a proper manner.
It's up to each individual to decide if they enjoy the flavor of excelsa. it could take a while to find the perfect blend. It's crucial to be flexible and test every type of coffee until you discover the one that you like. By doing so you'll have the chance to experience the full potential these unique beans have to offer. It's a trip that's worth the trip.