So, you area coffeholic, huh? Ever explored the different types of coffee beans that go into your cup of coffee to create those amazing flavours?
Nope! Okay. No worries. We are here to share the exclusive coffee knowledge with die hard coffeeholics who love a Cappuccino, a Latte, An Americano, A V-60 Pour Over or even a Mocha.
So, let’s explore the different types of coffee beans and understand how they impact the taste and flavour of each individual cup of coffee.
Table of Contents
What Are Coffee Beans?
Coffee beans are the seed son the Coffea plant, an evergreen shrub that belons to the Rubiaceae family. the coffee fruit called ad coffee cherry has two seeds inside it. These seeds are nothing but our coffee beans. The outer fruit i.e. the cheery is sweet and edible. What we are interested in are the beans inside the fruit that are processed, roasted and brewed to make our coffee.
The different types of coffee beans like Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa are what we get a s final product from the coffee cherry. Their flavours vary with respect to the beans, growing conditions, processing methods and the species.
Different types of coffee beans
A general audience or coffee drinkers know the four regular coffee beans, namely:
Arabica Coffee Beans
Out of the global coffee beans production, Arabica beans account for 60-70%. These are known for their sweet, aromatic, smooth and a slightly acidic taste. It is the most widely consumed coffee in the world.
These days, it is extensively grown in Latin America, East Africa and some parts of Asia. the platns of Arabica beans thrive on an altitude of 1000-2000 metres in cooler climates which helps develop thier complex acidity and the refined taste. Arabica beans are priced higher due to their delicate nature which makes them vulnerable to pests.
Arabica beans are mostly used for Black coffee or mild brews, pour-over, drip brewing and speciality café-style drinks.
Robusta Coffee Beans
Robusta beans are mostly know for the higher caffiene content, almost double to that of Arabica beans. They account for nearly 35-40% of the coffee production, globally.
Robusta beans grow mainly in Central Africa, Southeast Asia and some parts of India. They thrive on lower altitudes and hotter climates easily. Robusta beans have a bold, itense and an earthy flavour often described as nutty or woody.
Robusta beans are mostly used in Espresso, instand coffee, strong brews and blended coffees.
Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica beans are irregular shaped beans that offer a distinct smoky, wooden flavour with some floral notes. The beans are larger as compared to Arabica and Robusta.
Liberica beans originated in West Africa and gained popularity in Philippines wehre it is knows as “Baracko Coffee”. These are grown in limited quantities and in very specific regions and they are primarily available in gourmet markets.
Liberica beans are best suitable for traditional Phillipine brews, experimental specialty coffees and bold aromatic black coffees.
Excelsa Coffee Beans
Excelsa beans are elongated oval shaped and smaller coffee beans which offer multidimensional flavours with a berry like acidity and chocolaty undertones similar to cherries and plums.
They are mostly grown in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, Phillipines and Laos. Execlsa beans are know for their tarty wine-like flavour that offers a bright acidity. Due to these characteristics, they are used to enhance the complexity and depth of the overall flavour.
Excelsa beans are mostly suitable for coffee blends, fruity and experimental brews.
How do the beans affect your coffee experience?
The type of coffee beans you choose for your brewing transforms your overall coffee experience. Each coffee bean is different and when you try out these different types of coffee beans, your get different taste attributes with their roasting level and brewing method.
There are a variety of factors on which this can be evaluated. Some of the factors that influence the and experience are as follow:
Flavour Profile
Different types of beans have different flavour profiles. This makes them very suitable for different types of copy and cold brews.
- Arabica beans have an aromatic, sweet and smooth profile.
- Robusta beans are mostly known for their earthy, bold and more intense flavour.
- Liberica beans offer a smoky and woody flavour.
- Excelsa beans offer a fruity and wine-like tone.
Aroma
The type of beans heavily influences the aroma that we can offer. From floral notes to nutty and smoky flavours, different types of beans have different types of aroma.
Acidity Level
The acidity level in the coffee beans affects the eventual coffee taste experience. Arabica beans have higher acidity, whereas Robusta beans have a lower acidity profile.
Caffeine Content
The caffeine content in Robusta beans is almost double as compared to Arabica beans. This makes the coffee stronger and more energising. The caffeine content directly affects how intense and mild your brews feel.
Body and Mouthfeel
Every coffee bean differs in thickness and texture. Some offer a mild, light and tea-like body while others provide a rich and mouthful taste, especially in espresso-based drinks.
Roast Compatibility
The roasting temperature, time and the final roast often define the coffee bean quality. Every bean has a specific temperature of roasting that brings out its true flavour. Arabica often feels good at a medium roast, whereas Robusta works with a dark roast to balance the bitterness.
Brewing Method Suitability
Every bean pairs differently with the brewing methods. Arabica is suitable for black coffee and pour-over. Robusta is the best for Espresso. Liberica suits in strong traditional brews, while Excelsa works beautifully in mixed blends.
Speciality coffee varieties
We ahve already discussed the four types of coffee beans. Beyond these, there are certain specialty varieties that coffee enthusiasts find very much appealing due to their exceptional flavours. these varieties are grown in very curated climatic conditions, cultivated with a great care, resulting in the most premium taste and character profile.
From complex aromatic to sweet and intensely vibrant tastes, these specialty coffee varieties showcase the specialised cultivation of the coffee. Some of the these specialty coffee varities are:
Typica
This is one of the oldest and original avrieites of Arabica coffee from which most of the modern plants have evolved. It offers a mild, balanced sweetness with gentle floral notes. It is mostly know for its classic and smooth coffee profile.
Bourbon
Bourbon is a natural mutation of Typica known for its sweet profile. It grows in high altitude regions. It delivers a hint of chcoclaty and fruity flavour and is well recognised for its natural sweetness.
Geisha
Geisha is a rare and a very prized coffee variety from Ethiopia famous for its floral and tea-like notes. It is a delcitae and exceptionally aromatic variety with pronounced jasmine, bergamot, and tropical fruit notes which makes it one of the worlds’ most aromatic coffees.
Blue Mountain
This is a premium Arabica variety that grows in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, known for its smooth and balanced taste. It features mild acidity, a sublte nutty and chocolaty flavour with slight fruity undernotes.
Peaberry
This is a natural coffee mutations where there is only one bean indside the coffee cherry instead of two. This reults in a more complex and a deep flavour.
How to Choose the Right Coffee Bean for You?
This question always arises in the inds of coffee lovers. We have different types of coffee beans that offer a different tast profile altogether. So, how do you decide the best coffee for yourself? It all depends on:
- Your taste preference
- The brewing method
- The strong and mild adjustment
- Roast level
All these factors truly affect the coffee tasting expereince in every way. Also, people who prefere cold brews might enjoy the stronger Robusta. If you enjoy the smooth,, flavourful taste, you are an Arabica fan.
If you are new to coffees, we would recommend this:
- Beginners: Medium-roast Arabica for a balanced and an easy-to-enjoy cup.
- Espresso Lovers: Robusta or a blend ofArabica–Robusta for strong crema and intense flavour.
- Filter Coffee Fans: Light to medium-roast Arabica beans or speciality varieties like Geisha or Bourbon.
- Cold Brew Drinkers: Medium to dark-roast coffee beans with chocolatey or nutty flavour notes.
Tips to Store Coffee Beans for Maximum Freshness
The coffee beans need to be preserved with flavour to give you the best experience. These simple storage tips will help you store your beans easily without losing any flavour or aroma:
- Always store the beans in an airtight container to minimise exposure to oxygen and preserve the beans’ natural oils.
- You must keep the container in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight, heat, or any warm appliances.
- Avoid the induction of moisture in the coffee at all costs. It can damage the beans.
- Do not store them in the refrigerator or the freezer unless absolutely necessary.
- Always buy smaller batches of the coffee beans and consume or utilise them within two to four weeks of roasting for the best taste and aroma.
To finish you cup
It may seem a bit scientific, but its not. Understanding the differen types of coffee beans is actually the first step towards discovering your coffee taste profile. Whether you love a smooth blend or a strong blend. From the smoothness of Arabics, to the boldness of Robusta, and the complexity of Liberica and Excelsa, each bean has a unique flavour.
Exploring these distinct beans and tastes, you can discover yoru coffee palette and your daily coffee ritual. Milk based, black, hot or cold. All coffee varieties have something unique to offer to your taste buds.
Whether you prefer a delicate pour-over, a rich espresso, or an adventurous, fruity brew, the right coffee bean can transform your entire coffee tasting journey. Experiment, explore, and enjoy the endless possibilities that great coffee has to offer.