Types of Coffee Beans – Single Origin & Blends

Do you love coffee and want to learn more about its origins? Then this blog post is the place for you! With so many varieties of coffee beans available in the market today, it can be difficult to decide which one suits your taste best. From Robusta and Arabica to Liberica, we’ll explore the different types of coffee beans available along with their flavors, aromas, growing regions and uses – so you can make an educated choice when selecting the right bean for your morning brew. So let’s get started!

What are coffee beans?

Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant, which is a small tree or shrub that is grown in several tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The beans are found inside the fruit of the coffee plant, which is called a cherry. 

The two most common types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta, but there are many other varieties as well, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. After the coffee cherries are harvested, the beans are typically roasted to bring out their flavor and aroma.

Coffee beans are a rich source of caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that can help to increase alertness and improve mental focus. They are also a source of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that have been linked to various health benefits.

Coffee beans are used to make coffee, which is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The flavor and aroma of the coffee depend on several factors, including the type of bean, the roast level, the brewing method, and the water quality.

Types of Coffee Beans

Coffee beans come in various types, and each type has its unique flavor, aroma, and characteristics. Here’s an overview of some of the most common coffee bean types:

1. Arabica: This is the most widely grown coffee bean, accounting for about 60% of the world’s coffee production. Arabica beans are known for their delicate flavor and low acidity.
2. Robusta: Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter taste than Arabica beans. They contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans and are often used in espresso blends.
3. Liberica: Liberica beans are rare and have a distinct, smoky flavor. They are grown mostly in Malaysia and the Philippines.
4. Excelsa: Excelsa beans have a tart, fruity flavor and are often used in blends to add complexity.
5. Catuai: Catuai beans are a hybrid of Arabica and Caturra beans. They have a sweet, nutty flavor and are often used in espresso blends.
6. Caturra: Caturra beans are a mutation of the Bourbon variety and have a brighter, more acidic flavor.
7. Bourbon: Bourbon beans have a sweet, fruity flavor and are often used in specialty coffee blends.
8. Typica: Typica beans are an older variety of Arabica and have a milder, more delicate flavor.
9. Geisha: Geisha beans are known for their floral, tea-like flavor and are some of the most expensive coffee beans in the world. They are grown in Central and South America and are often used in specialty coffee blends.
10. Pacamara: Pacamara beans are a hybrid of the Pacas and Maragogype varieties and have a unique, complex flavor profile with fruity and floral notes.

It’s worth noting that different regions and growing conditions can also affect the flavor and characteristics of coffee beans. For example, coffee grown in high altitudes tends to have a more complex flavor profile than coffee grown at lower elevations. Similarly, the processing method used after harvesting the beans can also impact the final flavor of the coffee.

Get deep into four main types of coffee beans that we will discuss here: Arabica , Robusta , Liberica and Excelsa.

Arabica: Most popular coffee bean

Arabica is the most widely consumed and popular coffee bean in the world. It is grown in many countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and several others. Arabica beans are known for their delicate, nuanced flavor and aroma, which can vary depending on the region where they are grown and the processing methods used after harvesting.

Arabica beans are also generally considered to be of higher quality than Robusta beans, which are the other major coffee bean variety. Arabica beans have a lower caffeine content than Robusta beans, but they are prized for their complex flavor profile, which can include subtle notes of fruit, chocolate, and nuts.

Arabica beans are used to make many different types of coffee, including espresso, drip coffee, and specialty coffee blends. They are often more expensive than Robusta beans due to their higher quality and more nuanced flavor profile. Many coffee connoisseurs prefer Arabica beans for their superior taste and aroma.

Robusta: High caffeine content

Robusta coffee beans have a higher caffeine content than Arabica beans. On average, Robusta beans contain about twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans. This is one of the reasons why Robusta beans are often used in espresso blends, as the higher caffeine content can help to provide a stronger, more intense flavor and a more robust crema.

Robusta beans are also known for their strong, bitter taste, which can be somewhat harsher than the more delicate flavor of Arabica beans. However, Robusta beans also have some advantages over Arabica beans. They are more resistant to pests and diseases, and they can be grown at lower altitudes and in hotter climates, making them easier and less expensive to cultivate.

Robusta beans are mostly grown in countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia. They are often used in blends with Arabica beans to balance out the flavor profile and provide additional body and crema. However, some coffee connoisseurs prefer pure Arabica coffee for its more refined flavor profile, while others enjoy the bold, strong taste of Robusta.

Liberica: Rare and unique flavor

Liberica coffee beans are rare and have a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from other coffee bean varieties. Liberica beans are grown mostly in Malaysia and the Philippines, and they account for only a small percentage of the world’s coffee production.

Liberica beans are known for their distinct, smoky flavor, which is often described as having notes of wood, leather, and tobacco. The beans are also larger than most other coffee bean varieties and have an irregular shape.

Liberica coffee has a long history, dating back to the late 19th century when it was first cultivated in the Philippines. However, its popularity declined in the 20th century as other coffee varieties, such as Arabica and Robusta, became more widely available.

Today, Liberica coffee is experiencing a resurgence in popularity among coffee connoisseurs who appreciate its unique flavor profile. However, because Liberica beans are still relatively rare and difficult to find, they are often more expensive than other coffee bean varieties.

Excelsa: Tart and fruity taste

Excelsa coffee beans are known for their unique tart and fruity taste, which sets them apart from other coffee bean varieties. Excelsa beans are grown primarily in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines.

Excelsa beans are often used in coffee blends to add complexity and depth of flavor. They are known for their tart, fruity notes, which can be reminiscent of flavors like raspberry, grapefruit, and black cherry. The beans also have a slightly nutty flavor and a medium body.

Excelsa coffee beans are not as widely grown or as well-known as other coffee bean varieties, such as Arabica or Robusta. However, they are becoming increasingly popular among coffee enthusiasts who are looking to experience new and unique flavor profiles. Excelsa beans are often used in blends with other coffee beans to create a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.

Specialty Beans: Unique growing conditions

Specialty coffee beans are grown under unique growing conditions that set them apart from other coffee bean varieties. Specialty coffee is a term used to describe coffee that has been graded as high quality by experts in the coffee industry. Specialty coffee beans are often grown in specific regions and under specific conditions that allow them to develop unique flavors and characteristics.

Some specialty coffee beans are grown at high altitudes, which can contribute to a more complex flavor profile. For example, coffee grown in the high-altitude regions of Ethiopia is known for its bright acidity and floral notes. Other specialty coffee beans are grown in volcanic soils, which can provide a unique mineral profile that contributes to the flavor of the coffee.

Specialty coffee beans are often grown using sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, such as shade-grown coffee or organic coffee farming. These practices can help to preserve the natural ecosystem and biodiversity of the region where the coffee is grown.

Specialty coffee beans are typically roasted in small batches and brewed using precise methods to bring out their unique flavor profile. They are often more expensive than other coffee bean varieties due to their high quality and unique flavor profile. Many coffee enthusiasts seek out specialty coffee beans as a way to experience new and unique flavors and to support sustainable and environmentally friendly coffee farming practices.

Blends: Combination of different beans

Coffee blends are a combination of different coffee beans that are mixed together to create a desired flavor and aroma profile. Coffee blends can include a variety of different coffee bean types, such as Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, Excelsa, and others.

Blending different coffee beans allows roasters to create a unique flavor profile that can’t be achieved with a single origin coffee. For example, a blend might include beans with a bright acidity to provide a citrusy flavor, combined with beans that have a rich, chocolatey flavor to provide depth and complexity.

Roasters may blend coffee beans from different regions, such as South America, Africa, and Asia, to create a blend with a wide range of flavor notes. They may also blend beans of different roast levels, such as light, medium, and dark, to create a specific flavor profile.

Coffee blends can be used to create different types of coffee, such as espresso blends, drip coffee blends, or specialty coffee blends. Espresso blends, for example, typically include a higher percentage of Robusta beans to provide a stronger, more intense flavor and a more robust crema.

Coffee blends are often used by coffee shops, restaurants, and specialty coffee roasters to create unique and consistent flavor profiles for their customers. They can also be a way to introduce consumers to new and interesting flavor combinations.

FAQ

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is up to the individual coffee drinker to choose some of the many different types of coffee beans available on the market today. From light and delicate Dominican bean roasts to deep and strong Ethiopian Yirga Cheffe coffees, there is something to satisfy every kind of preference. Regardless of the type of bean or roast that you choose, these coffee beans will deliver a unique flavor experience that cannot be replicated by any other roast or any other bean variety.

With so much choice out there, it might be overwhelming to figure out what type of coffee beans you should try first. Try experimenting with different types until you find one that perfectly suits your pallet. After all, life is too short not to enjoy a good cup of java from time to time! So why not do yourself a favor and invest in some higher quality coffee beans as soon as possible? Take the plunge into discovering diverse types and varieties of coffee beans today!