Different Types of Coffee Beans: Explained

As a coffee lover, you probably noticed that not all coffee is the same. Some may taste bitter than others, while some can be sweeter than most. That’s mainly because there are several types of coffee. Each has its bitterness, sweetness, sourness, and saltiness. Of course, the level of roasting and the brewing process affects its flavour, but sometimes it’s the bean itself that makes the flavour so different from the others. If you want to up your coffee game, you have to know the difference between each type. This will help you choose the one that suits your taste. Here are the main coffee types available on the market and the differences between them.

Arabica

The common type is arabica. It’s the most popular one in the market as it makes 60% of the world’s coffee. Although arabica needs steady rainfalls and plenty of shade, it’s easy to maintain and care for. Its trees are usually short and easy to prune, which is why many prefer to grow them. However, they can be very delicate and easily damaged if exposed to wind or harsh weather, causing them to be a bit pricey than other types.

Arabica is popular because aside from that it’s easily maintained, many people prefer its sweet flavor. Unlike other beans, the arabica is low on caffeine and has a smooth taste. It’s also considered to be the highest quality in the world. These beans are grown in Ethiopia, Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia, and Uganda, and although they all grow the same beans, each country has its unique arabica flavor and sweetness.

Green Beans

Many people confuse green beans with other types, thinking that it’s a separate type of bean. There’s no doubt that green coffee has been growing in popularity since 2021. However, they’re just regular arabica or robusta. The difference is that whole green coffee beans are those that aren’t roasted yet. These beans are drunk completely raw and they have many health benefits. First, you have to know that they don’t taste like regular coffee, more like herbal tea. Many nutritionists suggest drinking green coffee to promote weight loss as it’s rich in chlorogenic acid. It may also help prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart stroke.

Robusta

Another popular type is the Robusta. It’s loved by many people for its bitter taste. Some may even claim that it is the real taste of coffee. Robusta gives a strong, burnt-like taste and has higher caffeine content than most types. The beans look different than others as well as they are more round and comparatively larger. Robusta originated in sub-Saharan Africa and is still produced there to this day. Lately, they have also been growing in Indonesia and it’s now considered another main source for robusta coffee.

Liberica 

One of the best yet rare coffee beans in the world is the liberica. These beans make up only 2% of the world’s coffee as they are hard to grow and only found in a few countries. The liberica needs certain climates to grow and should be regularly maintained as well until it’s ready. They grow in large plants, larger than the arabica and robusta trees, and have an irregular shape. The liberica coffee bean, unlike other beans, has a floral aroma and bold flavor. They are produced mainly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. However, Malaysia holds around 95% of the liberica production in the world.

Excelsa

The last major type is the Excelsa. For a very long time, excelsa was treated as a separate type of coffee bean. Not until recently, scientists have discovered that it belongs to the liberica family. However, it holds a completely different taste than liberica. Those who tried the excelsa claim that it has a fruity flavor, making it a very unique taste. These beans look pretty much like liberica, and are only grown in Southeast Asia.

When choosing coffee, keep in mind that every type has many different flavours. If you prefer a bitter-tasting coffee, robusta will do the job for you, although it can come in many levels of bitterness. Ideally, you’d have to try different types of robusta from several places until you find the one that you prefer. The same applies to other major types. If you want coffee that tastes a bit similar to herbal tea, then green beans are the right choice for you. With a variety of coffee beans available in the market, it’s better to try each of them, as you can, to find the most suitable type for you.