Are you an avid coffee drinker? Even if yes, there’s a chance that you might don’t know how many different types of coffee beans there are. You must have read the words like Robusta cherry and Robusta Parchment coffee, Arabica, on the package, but you may not know what they are, what makes them unique. If so, read on! Here’s everything you may want to know about ‘Coffee’.
First thing first, what is a coffee bean? Well, a coffee bean is the seed of a Coffee plant. It is a pip inside a red or purple-colored fruit called cherry. Though just like the ordinary cherries, the coffee cherry is also called stone fruit, they are different.
People don’t eat its outer pulpy part; instead, they take the pip and roast it. Four different types of coffee beans are there: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica. Out of these four, the most popular are Arabica and Robusta. This article will discuss these popular choices in detail.
Arabica
Arabica is the most popular coffee bean that accounts for almost 60 percent of the world’s coffee production. These beans originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and were also the first coffee beans ever consumed. You will be surprised to know that 80 percent of the coffee in the world is produced from these types of beans only.
Arabica beans coffee plants are quite delicate and demand constant attention, making them more expensive than other types of beans. They can be grown at higher altitudes only and require ample shade and rainfall.
Coffee-connoisseurs love this high-quality coffee for its sweetness, delicate and distinctive flavors, smooth texture, and less acidic nature. Whether it tastes fruity, nutty, or chocolaty depends on where it was grown and how it was harvested.
Robusta
It is the second most popular type of coffee bean. Robusta originated in sub-Saharan Africa and is now grown in Africa and Indonesia (primarily). Robusta beans are more rounded and somewhat larger than the other bean varieties. Plus, they are produced at lower elevations and contain high caffeine content.
Robusta, as its name suggests, is robust in its growth. Its plant can withstand a myriad of altitudes and weather conditions. However, it has some climate restrictions for its growth. However, the best quality Robusta beans are grown in hotter climates, lower altitudes, and areas with irregular rainfall.
Robusta is harsher and more bitter. It is known for its powerful and robust flavor profile. Plus, it has a strong smell and an almost flat or burnt taste. The highest level of caffeine in it makes it more resilient than Arabica.
Next, two Liberia and Excelsa coffee beans are rare treats. To find out about them, read on!
Liberia
These are native to Liberia, hence, the name. Liberia, the not-so-common type of coffee beans, is known for its piquant floral aroma and bold, smoky flavor profile. They are grown in particular climate conditions, and their plants are much larger than Arabica and Robusta plants. These are usually mixed with other varieties to add body and complexity.
Excelsa
The last type of coffee bean is Excelsa. It is considered a member of the Liberica family as its shape is somewhat like Liberia; however, it is an incredibly distinct species. Like Liberia, it is also grown in Southeast Asia (mainly). It boasts a tart, fruity flavor and shows the attributes of both light and dark coffees.
Since everybody’s taste palate is different, it is difficult to say which coffee is the best. Over that, there is a large variety of coffee available in the market. When you go shopping, you will find packages labeled as Robusta cherry and Robusta Parchment coffee, Affogato, Arabica, Latte, Espresso, etc.
Now that you are familiar with the popular types of coffee beans and how they taste, hopefully, making a selection would not be daunting for you.
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