Our favourite drink, coffee, is made from the seed of a plant known as Coffea Arabica. These seeds are harvested, fermented, and then put in coffee roasters machines toroast and give powder for our favourite drink. Coffee beans can be used to make dishes other than a cup of coffee.
Every person who loves coffee is always on the lookout for a perfect bean type to try. Every coffee bean type has a different flavour and is used in various recipes. Today, we will discuss the four main types of coffee beans available on the market.
Let us see the types and how different they are from each other.
The Four Main Coffee Beans
The four main types of coffee beans are – Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica. We will discuss these in detail.
- Arabica: It is one of the most popular varieties consumed all over the world. These beans are native to Ethiopia but are grown in other parts of the world as well. Arabica coffee beans require a tropical climate and high altitude to grow. These beans are smooth to the touch and dark brown.
Arabica is considered the highest quality of coffee beans and can be found in any shop selling coffee beans. This coffee bean is slightly sweet and nutty. They develop a nutty taste when roasted. Arabica is so popular because we can make many dishes from these beans, fresh coffees, and even coffee-flavored cakes.
- Robusta: It is the second most popular coffee bean in the world. Robusta is local to the sub-Saharan region of Africa but is grown in Indonesia and India. If we were to buy this, then we should always go to speciality coffee retailers.
Unlike Arabica, Robusta has a deeper and bitter flavour with hints of wood and nut. Because of the bitter flavour, this is used in coffee blends to complement other coffee flavours. The bold notes of these coffee beans can stand up to steamed milk, creams, and other flavourings.
- Excelsa was originally discovered in Africa, but nowadays, it is almost exclusively grown in Southeast Asia. This coffee bean grows best in medium altitudes and has a distinct elongated oval shape.
Excelsa combines a light and dark roast with a fruity and tart to a rich and bold taste. With this unique taste, this coffee type can be used as a stand-alone brew.
- Liberica: Also native to the continent of Africa, these coffee beans are very tolerant to rough climates and low altitudes. It grows best in Southeast Asia as well as in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Liberica has an unusual flavour; we can get a nutty or woody taste. We can use it for a brew on its own; we can use it as a blend, too, because of its unique flavour.
Final Thoughts
The four main types of coffee beans, as discussed, have their own unique flavours. Our favourite flavour depends on our preferences.
We can brew our coffee at home with coffee roasters. This will give us the option to add a personalised taste to them.