There’s seemingly no end to the varieties of coffee in the world. Whether it’s the type of roast you prefer or something as simple as the temperature you like to drink it at, the world of coffee is full of possibilities to explore. However, if there’s any choice that has the most impact on your ideal cup of joe, it’s the kind of beans you ultimately decide to make it with. This is the ultimate guide to different types of coffee beans and how this decision can completely alter the taste and texture of your favorite caffeinated beverage.
Why Should You Know Bean Types?
Would you go shopping for shoes without knowing your shoe size? Probably not, and the same reasoning applies to shopping for your preferred coffee. Where and how a coffee bean grows has a large impact on how it’s going to taste when brewed. As such, understanding which type of bean you like is the key to ensuring you purchase something that matches your personal tastes. So, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with all your potential options and their characteristics to make the most of the purchasing process.
The Major Types of Coffee Beans
For as many different coffee blends there are in the world, there’s, believe it or not, only a handful of bean types. Each one grows in a different part of the planet and has its own distinct flavors and textures to consider. These are the primary coffee bean species to know and what makes them so popular.
Arabica
Among the most popular type of coffee in the world, Arabica beans make up more than half of the coffee blends in stores. They’re grown in regions with high altitudes that provide a lot of exposure to rain and shade. However, Arabica plants don’t grow naturally in this climate, making them difficult to sustain and more expensive to buy. When done correctly though, these beans have a sweet, complex flavor that works well for black coffee brews.
Robusta
If you’re looking for something a little stronger, Robusta is also a good option to investigate. Known for its range of bitter flavors and increased supply of caffeine, espressos made with these beans are great pick-me-ups during slow mornings. As their name suggests, Robusta beans are also very strong and resilient. As such, they can grow easily in a multitude of different climates and are cheaper to purchase than Arabica blends.
Liberica
Sweet or bitter aren’t your only options, though. In fact, there are several rarer coffees that provide a combination of these flavors. Liberica beans are a type of coffee originating in the Philippines. They were first created to provide an inexpensive alternative to Arabica beans, but they’ve recently become more difficult to find. Coffees made with these beans take on fruity or smoky notes, creating much more depth when it comes to taste. Because of this, it’s common for roasteries to add these beans to other coffee mixtures to give them a wider range of flavors and aromas.
Excelsa
Excelsa is a great exotic coffee bean to keep in mind as well. A member of the Liberica family, these beans give off strong fruity or woodsy aromas and flavors. However, this variety is slightly different in that their smaller in size and naturally provide a combination of light and dark-roasted notes. This can greatly affect how you want them prepared and change how you choose to brew them each morning.
How To Choose the Right Bean for You
No ultimate guide to different types of coffee beans would be complete without some advice for choosing between them. Every person has their own set of preferences when it comes to what they eat and drink. As such, the last thing you want is to find yourself spending your hard-earned money on something you won’t even like. Taking your time in choosing your coffee beans will ensure that your blend does everything you need it to. Here are a few tips to keep in mind during this process.
Understand Your Preferences
First and foremost, you want to go into your coffee shopping with a clear understanding of what you want. This way, it’s a lot easier to eliminate the types of beans that don’t match. When identifying these different needs, make sure you think about the characteristics you want your cup of coffee to have. This includes things like its flavor palette, texture, and even color. Additionally, don’t be afraid to try several different types of coffee before finalizing what you’re looking for.
Consider Your Desired Roast
Next, take some time to think about how you want your coffee beans roasted. Roasting is the process of cooking coffee beans before blending them into your desired grind. This helps bring out more of their natural aroma and flavor, even increasing their acidity in some cases. Lighter roasts will have subtle tastes and aromas, while dark roasts are rich, bitter, and smooth. Though, the effect of roasting can slightly differ depending on the bean you pick.
Find the Right Supplier
Above all, you want to choose your coffee beans from a supplier that you like. Every brand roasts and grinds its coffee in its own way, and this can ultimately affect how it tastes to you. Because of this, it’s important that you find a roastery that knows how to bring out the flavors you’re looking for in their beans. It’s also important to find a supplier that provides a large selection of different beans for you to choose from. This way, you always have several options at your fingertips and can try out something new at any time.
No matter what type of coffee bean you’re in the market for, Minnekahta Coffee has just the selection for you. With our website, not only can you buy premium coffee beans online, but you can also search through hundreds of different roasts and grinds to find the perfect match for your tastes. We pride ourselves on having a wide array of different flavors from around the world. So, we’re confident that you’ll find something you want to try among our stock. Check out our site and find your next favorite blend today.
