What Are the Best Coffee Beans?
Best Coffee Beans come from the seeds of the Coffee plant, which is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Rutaceae family. The plant originates from tropical regions of Africa, especially Ethiopia and Sudan. However, many parts of the world, such as Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, now grow this plant.
The Coffee plant, a long-living shrub, can grow as tall as 30 feet. The plant features glossy, deep green leaves and blooms with aromatic white flowers. These flowers eventually develop into the famous coffee cherries, which hold the Best Coffee Beans.
After harvesting the coffee cherries, workers sort, wash, and dry the beans before roasting and brewing them.
Roasters then roast the beans to varying degrees to produce different types of coffee, such as light roast, medium roast, and dark roast.
Finally, people grind and brew the roasted beans to create the delicious coffee we all love.
Different Types of Best Coffee Beans
If you love drinking coffee, you might have wondered about the various types of coffee beans and what makes each of them unique.
The coffee bean comes in four varieties:
Arabica
Robusta
Liberica
Excelsa
Each type of coffee bean offers distinct flavor profiles. Among them, Arabica and Robusta stand out as the most popular varieties.
Best Coffee Beans: Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica beans account for about 60% of the coffee consumed globally, making them the most widely enjoyed variety. People believe these beans were the first ever drunk, originating in the highlands of Ethiopia thousands of years ago. The name “Arabica” is believed to have originated from the beans’ widespread use in 7th-century Arabia, which is now known as Yemen.
Despite their popularity, farmers find Arabica beans challenging to grow. Arabica plants need shade, sufficient water, and high altitude to thrive. Consequently, Arabica beans cost more. Farmers must plant Arabica coffee plants at a minimum elevation of 2000 feet since they are more prone to crop diseases. Additionally, Arabica plants are smaller, growing only 8 to 15 feet tall.
Most upscale coffee brands use only Arabica beans. Arabica beans are well-known for their smooth and rich flavor, with minimal bitterness.. Arabica beans can have various flavors, depending on their growing location.
Best Coffee Beans: Robusta Coffee Beans
Robusta beans are the next most common coffee type. Farmers mainly grow Robusta beans in Africa and Indonesia, with particular popularity in Vietnam, often included in coffee blends. Due to their lower cost, roasters can use them without spending too much.
Robusta beans are generally bigger and more spherical compared to other varieties. These plants can grow much taller than Arabica varieties, often reaching heights between 15 and 20 feet. Robusta beans are highly resilient, thriving at lower elevations and demonstrating strong resistance to crop diseases.
Robusta coffee tends to have a more bitter taste with a bold, slightly burnt aroma and flavor. In addition, these beans contain more caffeine than Arabica beans. Although many specialty coffee enthusiasts dislike Robusta, trying it at some point might be worthwhile.
Best Coffee Beans: Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica beans, from Liberia in West Africa, are known for their floral scent and smoky flavor. This hardy species often gets mixed with other beans to add bulk and complexity but rarely receives individual recognition.
Liberica cherries usually have an irregular shape and are similar to Robusta in size and appearance. The plant thrives in hot, humid climates and grows well in low-altitude regions.
Liberica beans make up approximately 2% of global coffee production and are primarily cultivated in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They make up more than 95% of coffee production in Malaysia, though you rarely find them in North America. Liberica coffee has a polarizing reputation among enthusiasts because of its unpredictable flavor profile. People’s opinions on this distinct flavor are divided; some find it nutty and woody, with a slight aftertaste, while others don’t enjoy it.
Best Coffee Beans: Excelsa Coffee Beans
Excelsa is the fourth main coffee bean variety. Recently reclassified as a variation of Liberica, it was previously thought to be a separate species.
Excelsa beans, primarily found in Southeast Asia, have an oval shape similar to that of Liberica beans.. These beans come from large plants reaching up to 30 feet tall.
Excelsa beans offer a distinctive flavor, combining elements of dark roasts with light roasts, including acidic undertones and fruity notes. Although lower in fragrance and caffeine, they offer an unusual depth of flavor.
Best Coffee Beans: What Type Should You Choose?
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of coffee beans, which one will you choose for your morning brew?
If you’re looking for the finest taste and are willing to spend a little extra, opt for 100% Arabica coffee.
If you prefer to stay on budget and enjoy lots of caffeine, pick Robusta or an Arabica-Robusta blend. However, expect a more bitter brew.
If you prefer to stay on budget and enjoy lots of caffeine, pick Robusta or an Arabica-Robusta blend. However, expect a more bitter brew.
If you’re after something unique, try Liberica or Excelsa beans, though finding them may take some extra effort. These can be wonderful and make a great gift for coffee enthusiasts seeking unique flavors.
Keep in mind that it’s best to grind the beans just before brewing. No matter which Best Coffee Beans you select, the added effort will pay off with enhanced flavor and freshness.