- Member Since: July 20, 2024
- https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans
Description
A Provocative Rant About Types Of Coffee Beans
Types of Coffee Beans
Behind every cup of coffee we drink, there is a carefully graded beans. The beans are graded based on the size, color and shape.
The AA grade is awarded to coffee beans that meet the above criteria, with the exception that they are not allowed to contain more than 3 defects (quakers). These are typically Kenya AA beans.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans are also known as Coffea Arabicica and are the most coveted coffee beans in the world. According to the legend coffee was discovered by the goatherder of Ethiopia after he observed that his herd had more energy when they ate the fruit of the plant. This prompted him to try roasting seeds and brewing them, creating the drink that we drink today.
There are many varieties of coffee plants, but only two are used to make our favorite brews - robusta and arabica. The former is generally thought superior to the latter and this is reflected in the flavor of the finished beverage.
There are a variety of arabica cultivars. Each one has distinct flavor profiles. Two of the most well-known varieties are Typica and Bourbon from which all other varieties of arabica were developed either through natural mutations or deliberate crossbreeding. The SL28 cultivar, for example was created in Kenya by Scott Labs and is known for its distinctive chocolate taste.
The taste of an arabica variety depends on the environment in which it was planted, and also on how it was handled and cooked. The shade a tree receives can have a significant impact on the final product.
Robusta
Robusta coffee beans, also known as coffee canephora are the second most popular kind of coffee beans. They are the beans that are used in most instant coffees and have twice as much caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They are also used in numerous espresso blends, particularly for cappuccino and caffe latte.
Coffea Canephora is a plant that originated from Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been cultivated across the world since. It can be grown at lower elevations and can withstand higher temperatures than Arabica coffee plants, making it more suited to farmers. Vietnam is currently the biggest producer of robusta coffee followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
The robusta plant is a good coffee however it's not a popular choice among cupping enthusiasts due to its bitter taste and burnt-rubber aroma. Many large coffee companies employ arabica bean for their premium products because it's regarded as a lower-quality coffee.
However, the demand for gourmet coffee is growing and small roasters are testing premium robusta varieties to make the most of its exceptional qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two exceptional robusta coffees that are blended with arabica to provide the perfect balance of flavour and strength. These are carefully sourced from Uganda where robusta has been grown for many centuries. Read more about them.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are a rare variety that are seldom used in the world. They are less than 2% the world's consumption of coffee beans and are often overlooked since they don't have as much caffeine. These beans have a distinct flavor that many coffee drinkers find appealing.
Despite being extremely rare, Liberica coffee beans are still popular in a few regions of Asia. They are most prevalent in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a significant Muslim community. The coffee industry in these countries has traditionally been very strong and drinking an espresso during prayer is a part of the culture.
The background of Liberica coffee dates back to the 1890s when a global outbreak of rusty coffee leaves killed most of the world's arabica crop. The event prompted coffee makers to search for a more resilient species that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica plant.
Liberica plants have a high tolerance for pests and diseases which makes them a perfect replacement for the devastation of the arabica crop. Liberica can also be grown in lower altitudes and hot temperatures that allow it to thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. This is why, today the majority of coffee that is produced in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia comes from Liberica beans.
Excelsa
Although it is not common for coffee enthusiasts to find excelsa beans, they are beginning to gain an image for their unique flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer at South India Coffee Co. These beans are "a variation of the liberica species that has similar teardrop shapes, but a smaller size." It's important to understand that despite the family resemblance between excelsa and liberica but this is not distinct from the other species.
As such, it's a little ambiguous as to how excelsa beans should be classified and it's this confusion that has largely been at the root of the beans' insignificant presence in the modern world of coffee. Because of this, many roasters, growers and brewers don't know how to cultivate and utilize these beans effectively.
Ultimately, it's up the individual to determine whether they enjoy the flavor of excelsa coffee and it may take a little time to find a blend that suits their tastes. The most important thing is to remain open-minded and try every type of coffee you can until you find one that you really enjoy. organic coffee beans 'll be able to explore the full range of possibilities these unique beans can offer. It's a journey worth the ride.
