Types of Coffee Beans
Arabica coffee beans make up 60-70% of the world’s coffee and are known for their perfumey aroma and fruity flavor profile. They are typically grown at high altitudes in rich volcanic soil like those found in Colombia. Starbucks primarily uses Arabica coffee beans for their blends.
Robusta coffee beans, on the other hand, have an earthy, bitter taste and double the caffeine compared to Arabica, making them ideal for espresso blends. The Robusta coffee plant can withstand hot climates and is less susceptible to pests and disease.
Origins and Processing of Coffee Beans
Coffee beans come from the seeds of the coffee plant, either Coffea arabica or Coffea robusta. These plants are native to tropical regions of Africa. The seeds of the Coffea plant’s fruits are separated to produce unroasted green coffee beans.
The moisture content of green coffee beans is too high to produce quality coffee, so they are roasted. Roasting transforms green coffee beans into a product rich in flavor, aroma, and color. Raw coffee beans are processed in two primary ways, with one method allowing the beans to dry on the plant or be dehydrated by the sun after harvesting.
Varieties and Characteristics of Coffee Beans
Coffee beans can be classified into four main types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. These types have countless varieties, resulting in diverse flavors and characteristics. Arabica beans are versatile and can be used to make various coffee beverages.
There are hundreds of coffee varieties, but Arabica is the most popular due to its sweet, citrusy flavor. Blonde roast coffee beans contain the most antioxidants compared to darker roasts and can be ground to different consistencies for various coffee drinks.