What are the Main Types of Coffee Beans?
Arabica and Robusta are more common types of beans. Arabica is the most popular bean and has a more mellow flavor. Robusta is a harsher tasting bean but has higher caffeine content. Excelsa beans are less common but have a sweet flavor and low caffeine content. Liberica beans are very rare, with a strong flavor and high caffeine content.
Arabica coffee beans are the most popular type of coffee bean in the world, accounting for about 70% of the world’s coffee production. Robusta is about 30% of the world’s production, Excelsa is about 1%, and Liberica accounts for less than 0.1%.
Two main Coffee Beans: Arabica vs Robusta
Arabica coffee beans are cultivated in the cool, high-altitude districts of Latin America, South Asia, and East Africa. Robusta coffee beans are grown in hotter climates such as parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
Arabica coffee beans contain about 1% caffeine whereas Robusta contains about 2% caffeine. Arabica beans have a lower acidity level than Robusta which makes them taste smoother. The low acidity level also makes Arabica beans more suitable for cold brewing whereas Robusta is better suited to espresso or French press coffee making
Arabica beans have a higher quality and taste, but they also have a lower yield. Robusta coffee is more resistant to disease and pests which makes it an option for farmers who grow coffee on trees or bushes.
Arabica Coffee Beans: Arabica coffee beans are the most popular type of coffee bean in the world. They’re grown in humid climates and their flavor is smoother than other types of coffee beans like Robusta.
Robusta Coffee Beans: Robusta coffee beans grow in dry climates and they’re cheaper to produce because their yield is higher than other types of coffee beans like Arabica.
Robusta is cheaper to produce but has a lower quality. However, Robusta coffee is more resistant to disease and pests which makes it an option for farmers who grow coffee on trees or bushes.
Liberica coffee is a rare and unique type
Liberica coffee is a rare and unique type of coffee that is known for its woody and smoky flavor, which is often described as having a distinctively smoky and burnt taste. It has a low acidity level and a moderate caffeine content, making it a good choice for people who want a less acidic and less stimulating coffee experience. Liberica coffee is grown in limited quantities, mostly in the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia, which contributes to its exclusivity and high price.
Excelsa coffee is a lesser-known type of coffee
Excelsa coffee is a lesser-known type of coffee that is grown in Southeast Asia, primarily in countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. It is a unique and distinct variety of coffee that has a flavor profile that is different from other types of coffee.
Excelsa coffee is known for its tart and fruity flavor, which is often described as having notes of dark cherries, blackberries, and even grapes. It has a medium body and a bright acidity, with a slightly sweet and nutty aftertaste. Excelsa coffee beans are typically smaller in size and have a curved shape, which makes them easily distinguishable from other types of coffee beans.
Taste: Arabica v Robusta v Liberica v Excelsa
Coffee beans are the seeds of berries that grow on coffee plants. The taste of coffee can vary depending on the type of coffee bean used, as well as the method of processing and brewing. Here is a comparison of the taste profiles of the four main types of coffee:
- Arabica Coffee – Arabica coffee is known for its sweet and delicate flavor, with notes of caramel, chocolate, and fruit. It has a low acidity level, which makes it smoother and less bitter than other types of coffee. Arabica coffee also has a moderate caffeine content, which means that it can be enjoyed throughout the day without causing jitters or restlessness.
- Robusta Coffee – Robusta coffee has a bold and strong flavor, with notes of nutty and earthy flavors. It has a high acidity level, which gives it a sharper and more bitter taste than Arabica coffee. Robusta coffee also has a higher caffeine content than Arabica coffee, which makes it a popular choice for those who need a strong and energizing pick-me-up.
- Liberica Coffee – Liberica coffee is a rare and unique type of coffee with a woody and smoky flavor. It has a low acidity level, which makes it smoother and less bitter than Robusta coffee. Liberica coffee also has a moderate caffeine content, which means that it can be enjoyed without causing jitters or restlessness.
- Excelsa Coffee – Excelsa coffee has a tart and fruity flavor, with notes of dark cherries, blackberries, and grapes. It has a medium body and a bright acidity, with a slightly sweet and nutty aftertaste. Excelsa coffee also has a moderate amount of caffeine, which makes it a great option for those who want a flavorful and energizing cup of coffee.
Price: Arabica v Robusta v Liberica v Excelsa
Here is a comparison of the prices of the four main types of coffee:
- Arabica Coffee – Arabica coffee is generally more expensive than other types of coffee because it is a premium quality coffee that is in high demand. Arabica coffee is grown in specific regions of the world, and the production process is more labor-intensive than other types of coffee. The price of Arabica coffee can vary depending on the region of origin and the quality of the bean, but it is generally more expensive than other types of coffee.
- Robusta Coffee – Robusta coffee is generally less expensive than Arabica coffee because it is easier to grow and the production process is less labor-intensive. Robusta coffee is grown in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and South America. The price of Robusta coffee can vary depending on the region of origin and the quality of the bean, but it is generally less expensive than Arabica coffee.
- Liberica Coffee – Liberica coffee is a rare and unique type of coffee that is not as widely available as other types of coffee. The production process for Liberica coffee is more labor-intensive than other types of coffee, which can increase the price. The price of Liberica coffee can vary depending on the region of origin and the quality of the bean, but it is generally more expensive than Robusta coffee.
- Excelsa Coffee – Excelsa coffee is a lesser-known type of coffee that is grown in limited quantities in Southeast Asia. The price of Excelsa coffee can vary depending on the region of origin and the quality of the bean, but it is generally less expensive than Arabica coffee and Liberica coffee.
So, the price of coffee can vary significantly depending on the type of coffee bean and other factors. While Arabica coffee is generally the most expensive type of coffee, it is also considered to be of the highest quality. Robusta coffee is a more affordable option that is often used in coffee blends, while Liberica coffee is a rare and unique option that is appreciated by coffee enthusiasts. Excelsa coffee is a lesser-known option that is gaining popularity among coffee drinkers who appreciate its unique flavor profile.
Overall, the taste of coffee is a matter of personal preference, and each type of coffee has its own unique flavor profile that can be enjoyed by coffee enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the sweet and delicate flavor of Arabica coffee, the bold and strong flavor of Robusta coffee, the woody and smoky flavor of Liberica coffee, or the tart and fruity flavor of Excelsa coffee, there is a type of coffee that will suit your taste and preferences.
History, origin, cultivation, and processing of the four main types of coffee beans
Table summarizing the history, origin, cultivation, and processing of the four main types of coffee beans:
| Type of Coffee Bean | History | Origin | Cultivation | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabica | Believed to be the first cultivated coffee species. | Ethiopia | Grown in cool, high-altitude districts of Latin America, South Asia, and East Africa. | Wet processed to remove the outer layers, then dried. |
| Robusta | Discovered in the Congo basin. | Central and West Africa | Grown in hotter climates such as parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. | Dry processed by leaving the beans to dry in the sun, or wet processed. |
| Liberica | Discovered in Liberia. | West and Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. | Grown on trees or bushes in tropical climates. | Wet processed, but can also be dry processed. |
| Excelsa | Originally classified as a type of Liberica. | Southeast Asia, primarily in Vietnam and the Philippines. | Grown in a variety of environments, including high altitudes and lowlands. | Can be processed using either the wet or dry method. |
Information from National Coffee Association, Specialty Coffee Association, and Coffee Research Institute
What are the Determining Factors in Choosing your Coffee Beans?
We should be aware of the factors that are involved in choosing a bag of coffee beans. This is because it is not as simple as picking up a bag and going. We need to consider the type of bean, its origin, price, and how it was roasted.
Let’s consider the roast:. We should look for a medium roast that will give us a good balance between the acidity and sweetness in the coffee.
The price of a bag of coffee beans is one factor that determines the quality. The more expensive the bag of beans, the higher their quality.
The type of bean is another determining factor in choosing your coffee beans. Arabica and Robusta are two types of beans that are commonly used. Arabica beans are often considered to be higher quality than Robusta beans because they have a milder taste and they are less bitter than Robusta.
Coffee Bean Names
Here is a table of coffee bean names, with their countries of origin, and their taste notes:
| Coffee Bean Name | Country of Origin | Taste Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arabica | Ethiopia | Mild, sweet |
| Robusta | Sub-Saharan Africa | Bitter, earthy |
| Liberica | Southeast Asia | Smoky |
| Excelsa | Southeast Asia | Tart, fruity |
| Bourbon | Reunion Island | Sweet, fruity |
| Catimor | Timor-Leste | Earthy, nutty |
| Caturra | Colombia | Sweet, bright |
| Geisha | Ethiopia | Floral, tea-like |
| Harar | Ethiopia | Winey, fruity |
| Icatu | Brazil | Nutty, chocolatey |
| Jackson | Kenya | Citrusy, floral |
| Jamaican Blue Mountain | Jamaica | Mild, nutty |
| Java | Indonesia | Earthy, spicy |
| Jember | Indonesia | Earthy, spicy |
| Kent | India | Spicy, nutty |
| Kona | Hawaii | Smooth, nutty |
| Mr. Jackson | Kenya | Citrusy, floral |
| SL-34 | Kenya | Bright, citrusy |
| Stenophylla | West Africa | Earthy, nutty |
| Villalobos | Costa Rica | Fruity, floral |
While these taste notes are generally true for each type of coffee bean, there can be significant variation in taste within these varieties based on the climate, elevation, soil type, and region of the plants.
Types of Coffee Bean FAQs
What are the different types of coffee beans?
There are four main types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Each type has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics.
What are the 2 main coffee beans?
The two main types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their delicate flavor and aroma, while Robusta beans are more bitter and have a higher caffeine content.
What are the 5 names of coffee beans?
The five most commonly recognized names of coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, Excelsa, and Maragogype. However, there are many other varietals and cultivars of coffee beans grown around the world.
Are Starbucks coffee beans Arabica or Robusta?
Starbucks primarily uses Arabica coffee beans in their blends, although they may occasionally use Robusta beans in some of their espresso blends for added crema.
Which type of coffee is best?
There is no one “best” type of coffee bean as it is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the smooth, delicate flavor of Arabica beans, while others enjoy the bold, bitter taste of Robusta. It’s worth trying different types of coffee beans to discover which ones you prefer.
What are Grade 4 coffee beans?
Grade 4 coffee beans are a classification used by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) to describe a quality of coffee beans that have some defects or imperfections, such as chips, cracks, or discoloration. This grade is lower than Grade 1 or Grade 2 beans, which are considered to be of higher quality and have fewer defects.
