Behind every cup of coffee that we drink, there is a carefully graded beans. These beans are examined by their size as well as color, shape, and density.
The AA grade is awarded to coffee beans that meet all of the above criteria, but they must not contain more than three deficient qualities (quakers). These are usually Kenya AA beans.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans are also known as Coffea Arabicica and are the most well-known bean in the entire world. According to legend coffee was discovered by the goatherder of Ethiopia after he observed that his animals had more energy when they consumed the fruits of the plant. This inspired him to experiment with roasting the seeds and then brewing them, which resulted in the beverage that we enjoy today.
Although a variety of cafe coffee beans plants exist but there are only two major species used as the basis for all of our favorite drinks: arabica and robusta. The taste of the final drink is typically more appealing with the robusta variety.
There are a variety of arabica cultivars. Each has their own distinctive taste. Typica and Bourbon are two of the most well-known arabica cultivars. All other arabica varieties were developed from these two varieties, either through natural mutations, or deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya, which is known for its distinctive chocolate taste.
The flavor of an arabica variety depends on the conditions under which it was grown, as well as the method by which it was handled and cooked. For example, the type of shade that a tree receives in its altitude, its elevation and soil composition can all play a significant influence on the final outcome.
Robusta
Robusta bulk coffee beans beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most sought-after variety of coffee beans. They are the beans used for the majority of instant coffees. They also have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They also are used to make a variety of espresso blends including cappuccino, caffe latte, and many other beverages made from coffee.
The Coffea Canephora plant originated in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has since been grown all over the world. It can grow at lower elevations and can withstand higher temperatures than the Arabica coffee plant, which makes it a much more practical crop for farmers. Vietnam is currently the largest producer of robusta coffee beans in bulk, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.
The robusta plant is an excellent coffee however it’s not popular with cupping enthusiasts because of its bitter taste and burnt-rubber notes. Many large good coffee beans companies employ arabica beans for their premium coffees because it is considered a lower-quality coffee.
However the demand for premium coffee is increasing and small roasters are experimenting with high-end robusta varieties to make the most of its exceptional qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With light roast coffee beans are two exceptional robusta coffees, which are mixed with arabica to provide the perfect balance of flavor and strength. These coffees are procured from Uganda, where robusta is cultivated for many centuries. Find out more about these coffees.
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are scarce and aren’t used much around the world. They’re less than 2 percent of the world’s total consumption of coffee beans and are often overlooked since they do not have as much caffeine. These beans have a distinctive flavor that many coffee drinkers find appealing.
Despite their rarity, Liberica coffee beans are still fairly popular in parts of Asia. They are most popular in Malaysia and Indonesia where there is a huge Muslim community. The coffee industry in these countries has traditionally been extremely strong and drinking a cup of joe after prayer is part of the tradition.
Liberica coffee’s history dates back to the 1890s, when a global epidemic caused by rust on the coffee leaf decimated the arabica crop. This triggered the coffee industry to seek out an alternative species that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon discovered the Liberica plant.
Liberica plants have a high tolerance to pests and diseases making them a perfect replacement for the devastated arabica crop. Liberica can also thrive in lower altitudes as well as hot temperatures which enables it to thrive in the climate of Southeast Asia. Liberica beans are used to produce most of the coffee in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Excelsa
Although it is rare for coffee enthusiasts to find excelsa beans, they are beginning to gain a reputation for having a unique flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer with South India Coffee Co. They are “a variation of the liberica species with the same teardrop shape, but smaller size.” However, despite this family resemblance it is important to remember that excelsa is technically not a separate species.
It’s a little bit confusing as to how excelsa beans should be categorized and it’s this confusion that has been the reason for the beans’ lack of presence in the world of coffee. Because of this, many roasters, growers, and brewers don’t know how to grow and utilize these beans effectively.
It is ultimately up to the individual to decide if they like the taste of the coffee excelsa and it could take a longer to find a blend that fits their preferences. The most important thing is to remain open to new ideas and give every kind of coffee a go until you find one you really enjoy. You’ll have the chance to explore the many possibilities these unique beans offer. It’s a journey worth the effort.