Different Types of Coffee Beans Explained.
(and which fits you best)
Photo taken by: Ochir-Erdene Oyunmedeg
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Four Main Types of Coffee Beans
Arabica
Robusta
Liberica
Excelsa
Choosing the Right Coffee Bean for You
Coffee Bean Uses in Popular Brands
Key Takeaways
FAQs
Introduction to Different Coffee Beans Explained
Not all coffee beans are created equal. From flavor to caffeine content, the type of coffee bean you choose can significantly impact your coffee experience. This guide will explore the four main types of coffee beans, their properties, and how to determine which one is best for your taste so you can get the most out of your brew in the morning. I advise paying our blog: The Art of Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee, a visit after reading this article so you can go forth and be the home barista you were meant to be!
Also, read more about how I conquered acid reflux from drinking coffee here so you don’t make the same mistakes I did and so your coffee journey is a lot smoother.
The Four Main Types of Coffee Beans
Arabica
Origin: Grown in high-altitude regions like Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Central America. The climate and altitude contribute to its refined flavor.
Flavor Profile: Arabica beans are known for their smooth, mild flavor with notes of fruit, floral undertones, and occasionally hints of chocolate or nuts. The flavor complexity varies by region, but generally, Arabica offers a sweet, well-balanced cup.
Caffeine Content: Arabica has lower caffeine content compared to Robusta, which makes it a gentler coffee, less bitter and more suitable for those sensitive to caffeine.
Best For: If you're someone who enjoys a well-rounded coffee that's rich yet easy to drink, Arabica is ideal. The mildness and balanced nature of Arabica beans make it perfect for those who prefer a coffee that’s less bitter and doesn’t overpower the palate.
Brewing Methods: Arabica beans shine in pour-over, drip, and French press methods. These methods help extract the subtle flavors of the bean without over-extracting bitterness.
Ideal Coffee Drinkers: Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy subtlety and complexity in flavor. Arabica is the go-to for light and medium roasts, and those who enjoy black coffee will appreciate the smoothness it brings.
Robusta
Origin: Commonly grown in Vietnam, Indonesia, and parts of Africa, Robusta thrives in hot and humid climates at lower altitudes.
Flavor Profile: Robusta beans are bold and strong, often described as earthy, nutty, or woody with a heavier body. They tend to have a more intense, bitter flavor with less acidity compared to Arabica.
Caffeine Content: Robusta has roughly twice the caffeine of Arabica, contributing to its strong, bitter flavor and a more intense energy boost. The higher caffeine content makes Robusta beans naturally more resilient to pests and disease, contributing to their more affordable price.
Best For: Robusta is perfect for coffee drinkers who need an intense, full-bodied coffee with a thicker crema. If you prefer a coffee that gives you a stronger, bolder taste and more caffeine, Robusta is your best bet.
Brewing Methods: Best suited for espresso due to its bold flavor and thick crema. It also works well in moka pots, French presses, or any brewing method where a stronger cup is preferred.
Ideal Coffee Drinkers: Those who like strong coffee with a robust, bitter flavor and a high caffeine kick. It’s also popular in blends, especially espresso blends, to add strength and richness.
Liberica
Origin: Native to West Africa, Liberica is mostly grown in the Philippines, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia. It is one of the rarer coffee beans, and cultivation is less widespread.
Flavor Profile: Liberica beans have a distinct and exotic profile, with smoky, woody flavors accompanied by fruity and floral notes. The aroma is quite unique, sometimes described as pungent or even smoky. The taste profile can be polarizing, as it has an intense earthy quality.
Caffeine Content: With caffeine levels similar to Arabica, Liberica offers a moderate, balanced experience, but the smoky, intense flavor is what really sets it apart.
Best For: Adventurous coffee drinkers who are willing to step outside of the traditional coffee experience. Liberica is excellent for those who seek unique, exotic flavors that stand apart from more common coffee varieties.
Brewing Methods: Given its bold flavors, Liberica is great for methods that allow for deeper extraction, such as French press or pour-over. It also works well with brewing systems like siphons, where the intricate flavors can shine through.
Ideal Coffee Drinkers: Those who want to experience something different and are open to flavors that may seem unconventional. It’s also suitable for those who love a unique aroma and complex flavor layers in their cup.
Excelsa
Origin: Grown mainly in Southeast Asia, Excelsa is sometimes classified as a variety of Liberica but has distinct characteristics of its own.
Flavor Profile: Excelsa beans are known for their tart, fruity flavors, often with a complex combination of light and dark roast qualities. They have bright, tangy acidity balanced with deep, roasted flavors that give them a complexity not found in most other beans.
Caffeine Content: Excelsa has a moderate level of caffeine, similar to that of Arabica, but it’s the complexity of the flavor that stands out.
Best For: Coffee drinkers who enjoy a complex and balanced cup, with a combination of bright, fruity notes and deep roasted undertones. If you're looking for something more than just a simple cup of coffee, Excelsa provides a layered, nuanced experience.
Brewing Methods: Excelsa beans can be great for pour-over or cold brew, where the flavor nuances are allowed to develop slowly. They also hold up well in espresso, adding complexity to the shot.
Ideal Coffee Drinkers: Those who enjoy experimenting with different flavor profiles and love coffees that deliver more than one taste experience in a single sip. Ideal for those who enjoy blends with more depth or for those who appreciate a more adventurous coffee.
Choosing the Right Coffee Bean for You
Mild and Fruity: Go for Arabica.
Strong and Bold: Choose Robusta.
Unique and Exotic: Try Liberica.
Balanced and Complex: Opt for Excelsa.
Coffee Beans Used in Popular Brands
These huge brands use a mix of all the previously mentioned coffee beans. You might recognize some of them.
Starbucks: Primarily Arabica, known for smooth and premium blends.
Nescafé: Uses Robusta for instant coffee with strong caffeine content.
Lavazza: Blends Arabica and Robusta for balanced espresso.
Blue Bottle Coffee: Sourced high-quality Arabica for specialty brews.
Key Takeaways
Arabica is smooth and mild, Robusta is strong and bold, Liberica is exotic and smoky, and Excelsa is tart and complex.
Coffee bean origins play a major role in taste, with Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil being top producers.
Choose your coffee bean based on your preferred strength, flavor, and acidity level.
By understanding the different types of coffee beans, you can make a wise choice that suits your personal coffee-drinking style.
Photo taken by: Tim Mossholder
FAQs
What mug is best for retaining heat?
Double-walled stainless steel mugs and ceramic mugs with insulated interiors are best for keeping coffee warm longer.
What’s the average size of a coffee mug?
Most standard coffee mugs range from 8 to 12 ounces, with larger options up to 16 ounces or more.
What country produces the most coffee?
Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, supplying over 30% of global coffee production.
Which coffee beans are the most expensive?
Kopi Luwak: Made from beans eaten and excreted by civets, known for its smooth flavor.
Hawaiian Kona Coffee: Premium, high-quality Arabica grown in Hawaii.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee: Famous for its mild, smooth taste and high demand.
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