When selecting a coffee, it requires an informed decision to know what types of coffee are available for you. The truth is that coffee can be classified differently, such as bean types, roast degree, flavor profile, grind size, caffeine level, brewing technique and equipment, etc.
However, four primary coffee bean species are under the Coffea genus, including Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.
Arabica and Robusta beans, which account for more than 90% of world coffee output, are the most prevalent coffee trade. Liberica and Excelsa, on the other hand, are the less popular coffee bean types; they are rarely seen in global commercialization.
If you buy coffee from a store or a coffee shop, you should know the basics of each coffee classification. And if you want to know how to pick the best coffee beans for your perfect cup of joe, keep reading his article. You will explore coffee bean varieties and the characteristics that distinguish them.
1. Arabica
About 60% of commercial coffee output nowadays comes from Arabica coffee. This coffee plant was originally grown in Yemen; yet thrives in Ethiopia.
When it comes to their plantation, the Arabica coffee plants are easily susceptible. Natural shade, high elevation, mineral-rich soil, volcanic settings, ample rainfall, and slight temperature fluctuations are ideal conditions for them to flourish.
Without these natural environments and proper growing techniques, this coffee is vulnerable to fungal diseases such as Coffee Berry Disease (CBD), Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), and Coffee Wilt Disease (CWD).
Arabica beans dominate the present specialty coffee markets because of their sweeter, bolder, and more nuanced tastes than Robusta beans. On top of that, their bright acidity, medium body, and refreshing aftertaste complexity are all hallmarks of Arabica coffee beans.
As a result, this coffee is the most premium option among the four coffee bean varieties. Arabica tastes best with the pour-over brewing method since it brings out more of the coffee's delicate flavors than hot espresso or cold brewing.
Just about all of Coffee Purrfection's coffee is Arabica.
2. Robusta
Robusta is the most widely planted kind of coffee bean in the world, following Arabica. Due to its more vigorous profile compared to Arabica, Robusta can be grown in different settings and climates. Consequently, it is less disposed to plant diseases.
In a general sense, Robusta beans have a deeper, full-bodied, and more earthy flavor. However, it is less popular than Arabica since its tastes and fragrances are not as appealing to many people. Besides, the caffeine content in Robusta beans is roughly two times more than in Arabica beans.
Although Robusta beans are often seen as inferior to Arabica beans, this is not always the case. Numerous growers and roasters are developing high-quality Robusta beans and Robusta-Arabica hybrid crops.
Espresso is the greatest way to enjoy Robusta beans. This has been the case years ago in southern Italy, where most espresso mixes have some Robusta. When used in lattes and cappuccinos, its naturally strong and earthy sensation complements the drink's sweetness far better than Arabica beans would.
Breakfast Blend Plus Coffee - Arabica and Robusta Blend
3. Liberica
Liberica coffee beans account for only 2% of the world's total coffee production. Unlike Robusta or Arabica, Liberica trees grow in mild shade, well-drained and less fertile soil than Arabica. The Liberica plant, which originated in West Africa, is farmed predominantly in Malaysia and the Philippines.
This coffee-type cultivar became a significant replacement when a disease demolished much of the world's Arabica supply. But since Arabica has re-emerged, Liberica production has mostly slowed or stopped.
Liberica isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's worth the substitute for an optimal one. This coffee has a mix of floral, fruity, and woody aromas that blend well with a profound smokiness. Robusta coffee lovers will like the full-bodied flavor and fragrance of Liberica.
4. Excelsa
Roughly 7% of the present coffee market presents Excelsa coffee. But, this number is likely to expand because of its pleasant flavor and robust cultivation profile as Robusta. For similar reasons, Excelsa coffee has the potential to become a high-quality specialty coffee if it is properly cared for.
Since Excelsa grows in similar conditions as Liberica, it has lately been redefined as a type of Liberica coffee. Nevertheless, the quality of the coffee production is substantially distinctive. It is well-suited for enhancing coffee blends with strong acidity and a fruitier flavor than Liberica.
Tips To Choose The Right Coffee Beans That You Will Love
When choosing the right coffee beans for your brew, there are several things to keep in mind. No two coffees on the market are precisely the same, and there are thousands of them to choose from. As a result, it might be tough to select the best one for you.
Use these tips as a starting point rather than a set of hard-and-fast guidelines when deciding which coffee beans to buy. Here is some advice that can help you narrow down the list.
Know Your Favorite Bean Flavor
To get an excellent cup of joe, you will need to know what kind of coffee you enjoy. Experts can suggest a costly coffee, but it does not guarantee that you will enjoy it. Moreover, it is important to use the right brewing technique for your chosen coffee bean to get the best flavor and aroma out of each coffee variety.
Calculate Your Desired Daily Dose of Caffeine
You should know how much caffeine you prefer in your coffee before purchasing. The caffeine concentration of Excelsa coffee beans is the lowest among the four bean types, at just 1 g per 100 g. The second most caffeinated bean is Liberica, which has 1.23 g of caffeine per 100 g of beans. Arabica coffee has 1.61 g per 100 g of caffeine, whereas Robusta has 2.26 g per 100 g of caffeine.
Verify The Roasting Date
Realizing when your coffee bean was roasted is critical if you want the finest coffee flavor ever. In fact, there is a fine line between drinking coffee too soon or too late after roasting.
The implication is that carbon dioxide is released from coffee beans during the first several days following roasting, which is known as degassing. Although carbon dioxide does not have a flavor, it will interfere with the brewing method, making it hard to get a complete extraction.
In the meantime, the coffee will begin to deteriorate if it is exposed to high temperatures, light, and oxygen for too long. It will soon become stale while losing its depth and complexity.
After roasting, the optimal time to drink coffee is between one to four weeks, depending on the roast degree and how well it is stored.
Coffee Purrfection delivers the day of roasting, so you can be confident that your coffee will arrive super fresh. Most of our coffees are available in whole bean, espresso, and standard grinds. The exception being our Cold Brew Coffee which is a course grind, and then of course our coffee capsules.
© Coffee Purrfection
