If you are a frequent coffee-drinker, then you know that there is no standard flavor of coffee. Coffee comes in several flavors. The flavors are usually influenced by the kind of coffee beans that are used to make the coffee. The preparation technique may also affect the coffee's flavor.
However, the beans are the key foundation of coffee flavor. For this reason, if you want to understand the different coffee flavors, the key is understanding the different kinds of coffee beans and their unique flavors.
What are coffee beans?
Coffee beans are seeds from the Coffee plant, which is the source of coffee. The coffee bean is found inside the red or purple fruit known as the coffee cherry. Therefore, it is not a typical bean, but it resembles a true bean. Coffee beans are usually grinded to make what we know as coffee and used to brew the popular drink. This is why the flavor of coffee is very much dependent on the type of coffee beans used to brew it.
Varieties of Coffee Beans and Their Unique Flavors
The most popular varieties of coffee beans in the world are arabica and robusta. However, there are other variants, like Liberica and Excelsa. Let us explore them further below:
Arabica coffee beans
Arabica beans are primarily grown in Latin America, Ethiopia, and some parts of East Africa. This is because of the high humidity and cool climate in these regions. If you have heard people talking about the best quality of coffee coming from Ethiopia and Latin America, they are referring to this variety. Arabica beans are known as the premium variety. These beans have a sweeter and more delicate flavor profile. Arabica beans boast of fruity and floral notes as well as hints of chocolate. Arabica beans have high sugar and lipid contents that contribute to their sweetness. The beans are oval-shaped and curved at the center. Growing Arabica beans is not easy. They require high humidity and cool temperatures.
Robusta coffee beans
The second most popular coffee bean variety is Robusta. Unlike Arabica, Robusta beans have a bold and intense flavor featuring woody notes, with hints of nuts. Their strong and bitter taste can also be attributed to the higher antioxidant content of the coffee beans. These beans are predominantly grown in warmer climates and lower altitudes. They are popularly grown in some parts of Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Liberica coffee beans
While less popular than Arabica and Robusta, Liberica still constitutes a small but significant portion of the world's coffee production. Liberica has a unique taste compared to the first two options. This coffee bean variant features woody, smoky, and nutty flavors with hints of dark chocolate. The flavor profile is strong, subtly floral, and spicy. The strong and unique taste of Liberica coffee makes it great for cold brews. Liberica beans are primarily grown in West Africa and Southern Asia.
Excelsa coffee beans
Excelsa beans belong to the same family as Liberica beans. However, these beans feature a mysterious and complex flavor. The Excelsa flavor profile includes deep earthy and woody notes with hints of tart and fruits like citrus and berries. The best part of drinking Excelsa coffee is that the flavors tend to evolve with every sip, making it very unique. This variant of coffee beans is popularly cultivated in Southeast Asia and a few parts of Africa, like Uganda and Chad.
Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with the different variants of coffee beans and their unique flavors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing the beans. If you are into a lightly flavored and sweet cup of coffee, then Arabica is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger drink, then Robusta will do the trick. If you are looking for something unique and more complex, you can give Liberica and Excelsa a try. However, there is no rule that prohibits you from switching things up from time to time. You can explore all kinds of coffee flavors at will.
