10 Types Of Coffee Beans-Related Meetups You Should Attend
Types of Coffee Beans
Behind every cup of coffee we enjoy, there are carefully graded bean. These beans are graded based on size, color and shape.
The AA grade is given to coffee beans that meet all of the above requirements, except they must not have more than three defective qualities (quakers). Typically, these are Kenya AA beans.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans, also known as Coffea arabica are the most coveted type of bean in the world. The legend says that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder observed his herd's dancing more vigorously after eating the fruits of the coffee plant. This prompted him to try roasting the seeds before brewing them, creating the drink that we enjoy today.
While many types of coffee plants exist but there are only two primary species used as the foundation for all our favourite drinks: arabica and robusta. The former is generally considered superior to the latter and this is reflected in the flavor of the finished beverage.
There are many different arabica cultivars. Each has its own unique taste profile. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon, from which the other arabica varieties have been created, either through natural mutation or through deliberate crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for instance was created in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinct chocolate flavor.
The taste of an arabica variety will vary based on the conditions under which it is cultivated, as well as the way it is treated and roasted. For example, the type of shade a tree receives as well as its altitude and soil composition can all play a major influence on the final outcome.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most sought-after variety of coffee beans. They are the beans used to make most instant coffees and have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They also are used to make many blends of espresso particularly for cappuccino, caffe latte, and other coffee drinks.
The Coffea Canephora plant was first discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it is now grown throughout the globe. It can thrive at lower elevations and withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it more suited to farmers. Vietnam is the world's largest producer of robusta, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
While the robusta coffee plant has its advantages but it's not as loved by cupping enthusiasts for its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. It's generally regarded as an inferior coffee and most large coffee companies make use of arabica beans to create top quality products.
However, the demand for gourmet coffee is increasing, and even small roasters are exploring robusta varieties that are high-end to benefit from its superior qualities. Our Valhalla Java coffee and Death With Coffee coffee are two examples. Both are excellent robustas that are blended with arabica for the perfect balance of the strength and flavor. These coffees originate from Uganda which is a country in which robusta has long been cultivated. Find out more about them.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are rare and rarely used throughout the globe. They comprise less than 2% of the world's coffee consumption, and are often overlooked because they don't contain the same amount of caffeine as Arabica and Robusta do. However, they do have a unique flavor that many coffee lovers find irresistible.
Despite being extremely rare, Liberica coffee beans are still quite popular in some parts of Asia. They are especially common in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is an extensive Muslim population. The coffee industry in these countries has traditionally been very robust, and drinking coffee following a prayer is part of the tradition.
Liberica coffee's history dates back to the 1890s after a worldwide epidemic caused by coffee leaf rust caused a massive loss of the arabica crop. This event prompted coffee producers to search for a more robust plant that could flourish in tropical climates. They soon found the Liberica.
Liberica plants have a high tolerance to diseases and pests, which made them a perfect replacement for the ravaged arabica crop. Liberica also has the capacity to thrive in hot temperatures and lower altitudes, which allowed it to flourish in the climate of Southeast Asia. Liberica beans are used to produce most of the coffee that is produced in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Excelsa
Although it is not common for coffee lovers to find excelsa beans, they are beginning to gain recognition for their distinctive flavor. According to Komal Sable of South India Coffee Co. who is a fifth-generation farmer of coffee, these beans are similar to the teardrop shape, but are much smaller. It is important to note that despite the family resemblance between excelsa and liberica but this is not distinct from the other species.
It's not easy to categorize excelsa beans. This confusion is largely responsible for the absence of their presence in the contemporary coffee world. Many growers, roasters and brewers are unaware of how to properly cultivate and use these beans.
It is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether they enjoy the flavor of excelsa coffee. It may take a little amount of time to find a blend that fits your preferences. good quality coffee beans is to remain open-minded and give every type of coffee a try until you discover one you truly love. You'll have the chance to explore the full range of possibilities these unique beans can offer. This is a journey worth taking.