Understanding Coffee Bean Varietals: What Makes Each Type Unique?

Are you puzzled by the wide array of coffee bean varietals and how they influence your daily brew? With so many choices, finding the perfect bean can be a challenge.

Coffee bean varietals like Arabica and Robusta offer unique flavours, aromas, and overall experiences. The type of bean you choose directly impacts what you taste in your cup.

In this article, you’ll learn about different coffee varietals, their origins, and how to pick one that matches your personal taste preferences. Looking for an easier way to select your next favourite coffee? Keep reading!

What Are Coffee Bean Varietals?

Coffee bean varietals are specific types of coffee plants, created through selective breeding or natural selection. There are two main species: Arabica and Robusta.

Each variety has its own unique flavours and aromas.

Some well-known Arabica varieties include Typica and Bourbon, each known for their distinct taste profiles. Varieties like these result from careful cultivation techniques to improve flavour.

Why Varietals Influence Coffee Taste and Quality

Arabica coffee beans offer a richer taste compared to Robusta. This is due to their different genotypes and the environments they grow in. High altitudes, common for Arabica, improve flavour by slowing bean growth.

As beans mature slower at high altitudes, they develop complex flavours. Ethiopian coffee often grows under shade which enriches its quality by protecting it from excess sun and wind.

Robusta coffee tends to be less sweet and more bitter because of its higher caffeine content—about twice as much as Arabica. Its genotype makes it disease-resistant but also gives it a harsher taste profile.

While Robusta’s environment doesn’t significantly alter flavour like with Arabica, growing conditions still matter. For example, Vietnam produces most of the world’s Robusta due to its suitable climate and soil conditions for these hardier plants.

Classifying Coffee Varietals By Species

Coffee varietals mainly belong to two species: Arabica (_C. arabica_) and Robusta (_C. canephora_). Arabica beans offer complex flavours with bright acidity, making up 61% of global coffee production between 2004 and 2010.

In contrast, Robusta beans deliver a stronger, more bitter taste with higher caffeine content. Vietnam leads in producing Robusta coffee, contributing 97% of its local output.

Arabica varietals thrive in cooler climates at higher altitudes. They often grow on hillsides or mountainous regions above 600 metres (1,968 feet). Conversely, Robusta plants can withstand lower altitudes and warmer temperatures across tropical areas like Africa and Southeast Asia.

This adaptability makes them less vulnerable to pests and diseases such as Coffee Leaf Rust.

Classifying Coffee Varietals By Region

Different regions produce unique coffee varietals. Learn how Africa, Central America, South America, and Asia influence your coffee’s taste….

Africa

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and produces some of the finest beans. Regions like Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Harrar are famous for their unique flavours. Ethiopian coffees often have notes of fruit and wine.

In Sierra Leone, Coffea stenophylla was found again in December 2018. This rare variety shows promise for its resilience to climate change. Cameroon offers Coffea charrieriana, a special type that naturally contains no caffeine.

Central America

Central America lies in the Bean Belt, stretching from Mexico to Panama. It is famous for its balanced and bright flavours. Coffee growers here mainly plant Bourbon and Typica coffee varietals.

The farmers usually manage 1,100 to 1,400 trees per hectare. For the best beans, buy between April and August.

Coffee enthusiasts appreciate Central American coffees for their clean taste profiles. Producers focus on quality control to maintain high standards. These efforts guarantee a superior cup quality that stands out globally.

South America

Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world. Its diverse climates create ideal conditions for growing different types of coffee beans. Regions like Minas Gerais and São Paulo are famous for their unique flavour profiles, from fruity to nutty and even chocolate-like notes.

Colombia also stands out with its high-quality Arabica beans. The Andes mountain range provides perfect altitudes and temperatures. This results in rich, medium-bodied coffee, often with bright acidity and caramel sweetness.

Peru produces organic coffees known for their smooth balance of flavours—mild citrus tangs mix with nuttier undertones here.

Asia

Asia produces unique coffee beans. Indonesia is known for Robusta, introduced to resist diseases and yield high quantities. The famous kopi luwak comes from here, where civet cats eat the beans before they are collected and processed.

In India, robusta beans grow well due to the suitable climate. You also find the rare Kahawa Sūg in some Asian regions. Their taste profiles range from spicy notes to rich chocolate tones.

Arabica Coffee Varietals

Arabica coffee varietals offer a range of flavours and are known for their smooth taste… Learn more about different types.

Typica

Typica trees originate from Ethiopia and Yemen. They are known for their low disease resistance but produce high-quality coffee, especially in Central America. These trees start giving fruit after 4 years and should be planted at a density of 1,000 to 6,000 plants per hectare.

Taste-wise, Typica beans offer a clean cup with balanced acidity and sweetness. High-altitude regions enhance these flavours further. However, the spread of Typica is limited due to its susceptibility to diseases like coffee berry disease and leaf rust.

Bourbon

Bourbon coffee beans offer exceptional quality, especially at high altitudes. They thrive between 400m and over 1600m, depending on the latitude. Note that Bourbon is more susceptible to diseases like coffee leaf rust and coffee berry disease compared to other varietals.

Introduced to Bourbon Island in the early 1700s, these beans need well-spaced planting densities—typically from 1000 to 6000 plants per hectare—to do best. Bourbon’s rich flavour profile makes it a favourite among specialty coffee drinkers despite its vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Robusta Coffee Varietals

Robusta coffee beans deliver a bold taste. They have more caffeine and less complex acidity than Arabica beans. With about 30% of the world’s production, Robusta thrives in low-altitude areas with high temperatures.

These beans feature earthy, woody, and nutty flavour notes. They add strong flavour and crema to espresso blends. Robustas grow well without needing cool environments or high altitudes.

Impact of Growing Conditions on Varietals

The height where coffee grows shapes its taste. Weather patterns can change how beans develop… warmer climates might lead to sweeter notes, while cooler regions often bring more acidity.

Altitude’s Effect on Flavour

Higher altitudes produce better coffee beans. The quality, size, and weight of the beans improve with altitude. Cooler temperatures slow bean growth at higher elevations. This slow growth allows more time for flavours to develop.

Coffee grown in Ethiopia shows this effect clearly. The highlands there create ideal conditions for flavourful beans. You notice a vibrant and complex taste from these regions. Altitude shapes the unique profiles of different types of coffee like Arabica varietals such as Typica and Bourbon.

Climate’s Role in Bean Development

Climate affects coffee bean development in many ways. Arabica beans, for example, are more sensitive to climate changes. They thrive in mild temperatures between 15°C and 24°C. A sudden temperature increase can harm them.

Robusta beans are tougher and handle higher temperatures better. Robusta can grow well even when it’s hot, between 18°C to 36°C. This makes it easier to cultivate when the weather is unpredictable.

Increased atmospheric CO2 might help Arabica yields climb. However, coffee production faces challenges from climate change overall—droughts and heavy rains impact bean growth directly.

Stable weather helps maintain consistent flavour profiles in your morning brew.

Choosing Varietals for Personal Taste

Different coffee varietals offer unique flavours. By trying them, you can find one that matches your taste.

Identifying Personal Flavour Preferences

Different people like different coffee flavours. Some enjoy fruity notes, while others prefer chocolate-like tastes.

1. Taste Ethiopian coffees for citrus and floral notes.
2. Sample Kenyan coffee if you like bright acidity and complex berry flavours.
3. Try Rwandan coffee for a syrupy mouthfeel and concentrated fruit flavours.
4. Choose Brazilian coffee for low acidity, sweet nutty flavours, and chocolate notes.
5. Explore Arabica varietals like Typica and Bourbon for smooth, rich flavours.
6. Opt for Robusta varieties if you prefer strong and bitter tastes.
7. Match your chosen varietal to a brewing method:
   • Espresso for bold, concentrated flavour
   • Pour over for clean, balanced taste
   • French press for full-bodied richness

Adjust preferences based on specific flavour profiles… Find the best match!

Matching Varietals to Flavour Profiles

Different coffee varietals offer unique flavours. Matching them to your taste enhances the drinking experience.

• Typica: Known for smooth sweetness. Exhibits floral and fruity notes – often described as delicate.
• Bourbon: Offers complex tastes – think chocolate and fruit tones. Popular in premium coffee.
• Geisha: Famous for its jasmine-like aroma. Tastes include bergamot, tropical fruit, and floral hints.
• Costa Rican Coffee: Soft sweetness with mild acidity. Perfect for those who enjoy balanced flavours.
• Brazilian Coffee: Nutty with chocolate notes. Ideal if you love a richer, fuller body.
• Ethiopian Varietals: Often have berry or wine-like flavours. Best for fans of bright, fruity profiles.
• Kenyan Varietals: Bright acidity with blackcurrant undertones. Great if you crave bold, punchy tastes.

Determine what you like in coffee to pick the best varietal. Each type offers something special to find!

Processing’s Effect on Flavour

The way coffee beans are processed changes their taste a lot. Different methods like washed, natural, and honey give the beans unique flavours….

Washed Process

Washed processing removes the coffee cherry skin before fermenting the beans. This method results in a cleaner taste, highlighting bright flavours. Peruvian beans processed this way have 4.20 μg QE/mg flavonoid content.

Burundian coffees boast the highest antioxidant capacity at 128.8 μg TE/mg.

This process affects bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity markedly, leading to varied chlorogenic acid levels among different coffees. The washed method is chosen for speciality coffee due to its accuracy in revealing distinct flavour profiles specific to each bean varietal.

Natural Process

Coffee naturally dries in the sun. This traditional method is common in hot climates. Farmers spread the cherries out on raised beds or patios.

This drying process can take several weeks, allowing beans to soak up natural flavours. The natural process often results in fruity and sweet notes, with a heavier body. For example, Ethiopian coffees often use this method and have strong berry flavours.

Honey Process

Honey processing blends washed and natural methods. Farmers remove the coffee cherry skin but leave some of the pulp. The beans dry with this sticky layer, which makes them look like they’re covered in honey.

This process can create unique flavours. Some beans taste fruity or sweet because of the leftover pulp. It keeps high levels of bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acids, shown to have antioxidant activity.

Honey processing also uses less water than fully washed methods, making it more eco-friendly.

Brewing Methods for Varietals

Different brewing methods can bring out unique flavours in coffee varietals. Try espresso for a strong taste, or pour over for a cleaner cup.

Espresso

Espresso uses 25 mL of water at 92°C and 7 bar pressure. Espresso machines usually work between 92°C to 94°C and around 9 bars of pressure for the best brewing results. The higher temperature extracts more caffeine.

Blends often use Robusta (95%) with a touch of Arabica (5%). This mix gives espresso its strong taste and high caffeine content. Savour the intense flavour in your morning shot!

Pour Over

Pour over brewing allows you to control water flow and extraction. This method highlights the coffee’s natural flavours. You pour hot water evenly over ground beans, usually placed in a filter inside a dripper like V60 or Chemex.

This technique is perfect for Arabica varietals such as Typica and Bourbon. It brings out their brightness and complexity due to the precise water-to-coffee ratio. Use fresh, high-quality beans stored correctly to enhance flavour.

French Press

Use a French Press for a rich and full-bodied cup. The coffee-to-water ratio should be 1:12 to 1:16. Steep the grounds for 4-6 minutes for ideal flavour.

Medium to dark roast beans work best with this method. Freshness is key, so store your beans in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Sourcing Quality Coffee Varietals

You can find high-quality coffee varietals through trusted vendors and direct trade options—seek out those who prioritise fair farming practices and excellence. Learn more to understand how these choices impact your coffee experience.

Direct Trade vs. Commodity Market

When choosing coffee, you might face the decision between Direct Trade and the Commodity Market. Each has its distinct advantages…

Direct Trade focuses on relationships and quality. It provides better coffee and supports ethical practices. On the other hand, the Commodity Market offers standardised but often lower quality beans. Choose based on what matters to you—quality or cost.

Recognising Reputable Vendors

Identifying reputable coffee vendors guarantees you get quality beans. Follow these steps to find the best sources.

1. Check Certifications: Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance. These indicate ethical and sustainable practices.
2. Read Reviews: Customer reviews can tell a lot. High ratings and positive feedback signal reliability.
3. Visit Vendor Websites: Reputable vendors often share information about their sourcing practices. Look for transparency in their operations.
4. Product Range: A broad selection of coffee varietals, including Arabica and Robusta types, shows expertise.
5. Sourcing Locations: Quality vendors source beans from known coffee regions like Africa, Central America, South America, and Asia.
6. Contact Customer Service: Good customer service indicates a vendor’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
7. Compare Prices: Extremely low prices might point to inferior quality or unethical practices.
8. Check Roasting Dates: Freshly roasted coffee tastes better. Look for roast dates on packaging.
9. Industry Recognition: Awards or mentions in industry magazines can signal trustworthiness.
10. Direct Trade Practices: Vendors engaging in direct trade often guarantee higher quality by dealing directly with farmers.

These steps guide you to reliable coffee vendors who care about quality and ethics without dragging out unnecessary details or excessive elaboration.

Storing Coffee Beans for Freshness

Keep your coffee beans fresh by storing them in an airtight container, away from light and heat… Read more to discover other storage tips!

Ideal Storage Conditions

Proper storage keeps coffee beans fresh and full of flavour. Following these guidelines can help:

1. Temperature Control: Store between -10 °C and 10 °C.
2. Air-tight Containers: Use air-tight containers to prevent exposure to air.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep away from direct sunlight to protect the beans.
4. Minimal Moisture: Store in a dry place with low humidity.
5. Use within Nine Months: For washed processed beans, cupping scores stay above seven points when stored properly for up to nine months.
6. Separate Storage for Varietals: Store different coffee varietals like Arabica and Robusta separately for better quality preservation.
7. Cooler Environments Preferred: Warmer conditions accelerate ageing, so cooler environments extend freshness.

Following these steps helps maintain the quality of your coffee beans over time.

Common Storage Mistakes

Storing coffee beans the wrong way spoils the flavour. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your beans fresh:

1. Exposure to Light: Light oxidises coffee beans, reducing their freshness and taste. Keep your beans in a dark place.
2. Refrigerating or Freezing Beans: Storing beans in the refrigerator or freezer causes them to absorb moisture. This leads to loss of flavour and quality.
3. Not Using Airtight Containers: Coffee bags with valves are not airtight. Use proper containers that seal completely.
4. Storing Near Strong-Smelling Foods: Beans can absorb smells from nearby foods, like onions or garlic, altering their taste.
5. Leaving Beans in Original Packaging: Original packaging often does not protect against air and light well enough.
6. Ignoring Temperature Fluctuations: Store coffee at a stable temperature, room temperature is ideal for maintaining flavour profiles like those in Arabica varieties such as Typica or Bourbon.
7. Buying Too Many Beans at Once: Buying large amounts increases the chances of them going stale before you use them up.
8. Using Clear Containers: Even if airtight, clear containers let light through which affects bean quality negatively.
9. Moisture Exposure from Humid Environments: Humidity degrades coffee by making it damp which speeds up staleness.

Conclusion

Learning about coffee bean varietals helps you find your ideal cup. Different beans grow in diverse regions, influencing flavour and aroma. Choosing Arabica or Robusta impacts the taste remarkably.

Think about growing conditions like altitude and climate—they change the bean’s taste profile. Processing methods, such as washed or natural, also alter flavours. Keep in mind to store beans correctly for freshness.

FAQs

What are some common coffee bean varieties?

Common coffee bean varieties include Arabica (Coffea arabica), Robusta (Coffea canephora), and Liberica beans. Each has a unique flavour profile.

How does terroir affect coffee flavours?

Terroir, the environment where the coffee is grown, affects its flavour. Soil, climate, and altitude all influence the taste of different varietals like Geisha or Bourbon.

What makes Liberica coffee special?

Liberica beans have a distinct flavour profile with fruity and floral notes. They are less common but prized by many for their unique taste.

Why is Typica variety important in the coffee industry?

The Typica varietal is one of the oldest cultivated varieties of Coffea arabica. It serves as a base for many other cultivars due to its balanced flavour and high quality.

How do processing methods impact coffee flavours?

Coffee processing methods like wet or dry processing change the final taste of your brew… impacting sweetness, acidity, and body—crucial for any true coffee lover.

Can you explain what Excelsa beans are?

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica with tart and fruity flavours—often used to add complexity in blends from Indonesia or other regions around Hualalai on Hawaii’s Big Island.