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Everything you wanted to know about different types of coffee beans
When you read the label of a bag of coffee beans, do you often wonder what ‘Arabica’ and ‘Robusta’ mean? These names are nuggets of information that tell us more about the taste, growing conditions, and even, price of the coffee. Two main species of coffee plants are Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica species consists of many varieties or cultivars of coffee beans. Knowing the names of different types of coffee beans can keep you informed and help you determine what kind of coffee you should explore, according to your tastes.
Let’s start your journey into different types of coffee with an introduction to Arabica and Robusta. Two of the most common varieties of coffee beans. Arabica and Robusta are the most common types of coffee beans available worldwide, while others require a bit more effort to find.
All types of beans brew coffee that tastes very different––there is something for everyone. You can dabble in all four varieties or try one...read on to find out which one excites you the most.
ARABICA
Arabica is the most commonly grown coffee bean; it accounts for 60-75% of the worldwide coffee production. This type of coffee beans is very popular due to its complex taste profiles and aromas. Coffee connoisseurs love high-quality Arabica beans for its delicate and distinctive flavours, smooth body, and refined acidity. Depending on where its plant grows and how it is harvested, the beans could taste fruity, nutty or even chocolaty.
However, the depth and complexity of its flavours can diminish when it is diluted with sugar and creamers. Highest quality coffees do not need additives and are best served black and hot. Give it a taste before adding. Try brewing with a pour-over such as a Chemex or Hario Pour Over Kit.
Arabica beans are grown at higher altitude with ample shade and rainfall. These plants are quite delicate and they require constant attention; their growth gets severely affected during adverse environmental conditions. In addition to being labour intensive, only hand-picked, Arabica beans are known as higher quality and have a high demand which makes it more expensive than other types of coffee beans.
ROBUSTA
Robusta is the second most-produced species of coffee beans. Robusta grows at lower elevations has high levels of caffeine and is disease resistant. Most people drinking Robusta must add cream and sugar due to its inherent harsh taste.
However, within the specialty coffee community, Robusta isn’t popular. At grocery stores or supermarkets, it is usually Robusta or a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans that you will find. Sometimes mixed with Chicory which isn’t coffee at all. It is also used for most instant coffees or as a filler in dark roasts.
Robusta, like its name, is robust in its growth; the plants can withstand a myriad of altitudes and rainfall conditions. Although, it is best grown in lower altitudes, hotter climates, and areas with irregular rainfall. Often mechanically harvested, Robusta has few climate restrictions for its growth, high caffeine content, and low popularity, it is much cheaper than Arabica.
GEISHA
Geisha or Gesha coffee is another very popular type of coffee in the world today. With origins in Ethiopia, Geisha is believed to produce a very aromatic cup of coffee with unique floral notes. Its demand increased drastically since 2014 when it caught the attention of specialty coffee lovers at the Best of Panama competition. Being sold for as high as over $100 a cup or $2500/pound, it might very well be the most expensive coffee in the world today.
Within Arabica Species
In Araku, we grow a variety of Arabica coffees which have distinct characteristics and unique taste profiles. Read on to get your agricultural nuggets of knowledge for the day. Don’t worry, there is no quiz later.
Selection 9 or Sin.9 is a variety of Arabica and is known for its large leaves and open, long-stemmed growth pattern. This openness helps give the bush airiness and thus resistance to rust. Selection 9 is a cross between an Ethiopian Arabica, ‘Tafarikela’, and ‘Hybrido-de-Timor’. The superior cup quality traits of the Ethiopian Tafarikela make this coffee stand out with its perfume and floral notes. Selection 9 is one of the variants of Arabica we grow at Araku.
Additional varieties of Arabica that we grow in Araku are S. 795, developed in the 1940s which originated as a hybrid of Arabica & Liberica and is known for its delicious mocha notes and the plant’s resistance to leaf rust, Sin. 5 which comes from two families, one of which is a wild Arabica collection from Rume in Sudan and brings out floral notes in the coffee, and, Cauvery, the descendant of a cross between “Caturra” & “Hybrido-de-Timor and performs great in a cup.
How do I pick one?
Everyone’s taste palate varies, and it continues to evolve as you try more and more types of coffee. If you’re unsure about how to go about buying your first bag of coffee beans, then we would recommend picking 100% Arabica. To make your choices even easier, we have four roasted offerings to choose from. Soon you may become a coffee purist who loves a classic cup of black coffee.
Too much detail, right? No pressure! Our most important tip will always be to keep experimenting and trying new flavours and types of coffee. It would enrich your day-to-day experiences and help you experience the surprise and joy of a freshly-brewed cup, always.
Begin now by ordering your first cuppa at www.arakucoffee.in.