Part of basic coffee knowledge is knowing the four different types of beans.
You may think that all coffee beans are just the same, but they’re not.
There are four major types of coffee beans, and we will discuss each one of them.
Arabica Beans
The first Arabica beans were cultivated in the highlands of Ethiopia many centuries ago.
Today, it is the most common type of coffee bean, and most people worldwide love it.
As you walk through the grocery aisle, you may notice that most coffee bags have the word “Arabica beans” on them. Some of the best coffee beans in Melbourne are Arabica beans.
Here are some of the things you need to know about it:
Flavor Profile
It has a smooth and sweet taste, with flavor notes of chocolate and sugar. 100% Arabica coffee also has a distinct lack of bitterness. That said, it is best enjoyed as it is.
Adding creamer or sugar or serving it cold can cause a reduction in the taste of the coffee.
Arabica coffee also has a slightly acidic profile with a kick of chocolate and caramel at the end.
In terms of caffeine content, Arabica coffee is slightly milder. Thus, it perfectly fits the bill if you want a morning cup without the jittery buzz.
Brewing Tips
Choose whole roasted beans that you will grind yourself, as it is the best way to preserve the flavor of your coffee.
Also, instead of sugar and cream, you can add spices to boost the flavor of Arabica coffee.
Cardamom is a popular choice, but you can also use other spices, such as cloves, saffron, and rose mineral water.
Robusta Beans
The second most common type of coffee beans is Robusta, as a little more than 40 percent of the coffee grown worldwide is Robusta.
These beans come from the plant species Coffea canephora and are often held as lower-quality than Arabica coffee.
Flavor Profile
Robusta has a more bitter taste and a higher acidity level than Arabica coffee. Some people say it tastes like burnt rubber.
However, experts say that the bad reputation of Robusta came from poor agricultural practices. Thus, high-quality Robusta is possible if sourced from farms that adhere to the best standards.
For the best-tasting Robusta, opt to buy your beans from small-batch roasters.
The ideal Robusta coffee has hints of chocolate and rum in its flavor profile.
Arabica-robusta blends are also very common. Robusta is added to enhance the caffeine and intensity of Arabica coffee, so these blends are perfect for espresso.
Brewing Tips
Since Robusta is a strong-tasting coffee, you want to use less than you usually use or need. You can also dilute the coffee in more water to reduce the bitterness and harsh flavor.
Robusta is best for lattes. Since lattes use more milk, you get the sweet spot of the Robusta coffee.
When brewing Robusta coffee, you also need to do it in less time for it not to get too bitter. Go for a coarser grind so you’d have a smoother coffee.
Additionally, consider blending Robusta with other coffee beans for a more interesting flavor.
Excelsea Coffee Beans
Excelsea beans are far less common than Arabica and Robusta beans. This variety was first discovered in Africa at the turn of the 20th century and is now also grown in Asia.
Unlike the Robusta and Arabica, Excelsea coffee is a plant rather than a shrub. Also, while it is resilient, excelsea requires extensive care.
Flavor Profile
Excelsea has a distinctive taste, with hints of tart and fruitiness. When brewed on its own, it tastes like a good scotch. When blended in with other coffee varieties, it delivers a lingering finish.
Medium and light Excelsea coffee roasts can produce berry-like and fruity notes, but they can also taste woody and popcorn-like. As the roast gets darker, this coffee develops notes of chocolate and cream.
Brewing Tips
Exelsea coffee is best brewed using Aeropress, French press, or drip coffee maker. You can control the taste by adding the right amount of sugar and creamer.
Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica is the rarest type of coffee bean originally produced in West Africa. Today, it’s cultivated in Asian countries, specifically Malaysia and Indonesia
It is highly prized for its complex flavor profile. Liberica beans are often added in blends to give them more dimension.
Flavor Profile
Liberica has a strong and unique flavor, featuring a smokey and chocolatey taste accompanied by floral and spicy undertones.
However, some are not fans of Liberica because the flavors tend to be too dense and overpowering.
If you prefer a strong and bold coffee flavor, the Liberica coffee is the right for you.
Brewing Tips
In the Philippines, where Liberica (known as kapeng barako) is very popular, this coffee is best prepared by boiling it in water and adding brown sugar or muscovado.
Fill a kettle and bring it to a full boil.
Once you get it boiling for a few seconds, turn it down and immediately add the sugar.
Wait for the sugar to melt, and then add the ground coffee. Cover the kettle and let the coffee brew and settle for around five to 10 minutes.
Summary
To sum up, the four types of coffee beans are:
- Arabica: Known for its mild, smooth, and sweet taste
- Robusta: Has a strong, bitter, and more acidic taste
- Excelsea: Known for its unique taste of tart and fruitiness
- Liberica: Has a strong and bold flavor
Choose one that suits your taste and taste better.
Nonetheless, there’s nothing wrong with having all four types in your arsenal.