Everything You Need To Know About Coffee Beans
How heavenly a coffee feels on a gloomy twilight while watching your favorite movie? How about the bliss of sipping the perfect cup of coffee early morning before you jump-start the day? If you are reading this article, there is no doubt you are a coffee lover. But were you aware that the essence behind this ecstatic taste is the coffee beans that are used to make it? So, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about coffee beans.
1. What Are The Different Types of Coffee Beans And Where Are They Coming From?
Have you ever been curious about what a coffee bean is? If you are a serious coffee fanatic, you may even wonder how many coffee bean types are there in the world and what is the difference between them. Good questions coffee lovers! Now you are going to hear all the answers. So, let’s start with the basics. A coffee bean is a seed that we are getting from the fruit (Called Cherry) of the Coffee plant. There are four types of coffee beans, Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Pretty cool names for seeds, right?
Arabica
Out of the different types of coffee beans, Arabica takes up around 60% of the world’s coffee consumption. Arabica was first discovered in Ethiopia. This coffee bean has an amazing history that dates back to the 7th Century.
You might have probably seen this name in the advertisements of top-notch coffee brands. But ever wondered why they are so expensive? Well, it is because of their distinct taste rich in unique flavor which is beyond ordinary. Unlike any other coffee bean, Arabica lacks bitterness.
But the trouble to grow is real. They won’t grow properly unless they get some extra water and shade. For a proper yield, you have to grow them at a high altitude. The trouble won’t end here. They are more prone to catch pests and diseases. So, this justifies their high price.
Robusta
Originated from Sub Saharan Africa, Robusta is second only to Arabica. Other than Africa, Robusta is very popular now in Indonesia and Vietnam. True it doesn’t taste as good as Arabica, but Robusta is indeed a budget-friendly choice. Why? These coffee beans are easy to grow and are much bigger than other varieties.
They are a bit harder and bitter. Might even taste burnt at times. But Robusta has a perfect aroma and a better caffeine concentration than Arabica. After all, it is not as bad as it sounds.
Liberica
How about a smoky flavored coffee bean that smells like a flower? Native to Africa, Liberica is a very rare type of coffee bean. But now, you can find Liberica in other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Yet, it is not common in American and European markets.
Growing Liberica is not too difficult. Yet, it only supplies around 2% of the coffee demand. Half of the consumers admire this for the woody taste. Another half hate it for the same reason. So, is this a good choice? Give it a try and see how it feels for you.
Excelsa
Excelsa beans are generally grown in South East Asia. These coffee beans have a pretty unique flavor and light but vibrant aroma. They taste like fruit or dark roasts. Excelsa is often used in coffee blends to get that complicated flavor. Though you can get this variety in any part of Asia, it is quite hard to find this in other continents.
In addition to the above four primary types of coffee beans, you may also find other varieties that are not very popular. Jember beans, Kent beans, Pache Beans, and Jackson Beans are just to name a few.
Renowned beverage companies like Starbucks, Barista, Coffee Republic, Costa Coffee, etc. are using these different types of coffee beans in the plethora of coffee products they offer on the market.
2. How To Choose The Best Coffee Beans?
You may have now got some basic knowledge about coffee beans. But, you may be still wondering how to pick the best beans. So, here’s a quick guide to choose the best coffee beans to cheer up your daily cup of coffee.
Country of Origin
You can either have single-origin coffee beans or blended ones. The simple meaning is single-origin beans come from one country like Ethiopia or Kenya. What’s fascinating is they have legends and myths surrounding these coffee beans. Because of their original nature, you will find a unique flavor profile.
Blended ones, on the other hand, come from different countries. Why are they blended? Well, to get a synergetic taste. Putting it simply, you will get different flavors mingled in one coffee. Isn’t that great? But, there is a dark side too, which you need to be careful of. Some sellers mix different coffee types just to cut down costs. So, in this case, they might even add damaged or thrown away coffee beans.
Acidity
For Scientists, high acidity levels mean low pH levels. But, let’s look at it from layman’s terms. Have you ever tasted a coffee with a very sharp taste? Well, these coffee beans have a high acidity level. There’s nothing wrong with these coffee beans but if you are someone who gets frequent headaches or stomach aches, better switch to a low acid option. Some people love this tart flavor. They say they need it to keep them fresh throughout the day.
Organic versus Non-organic
You may wonder whether there is any major value in organic coffee beans when compared to non-organic ones. Well, organic coffee beans are grown naturally without using any chemicals, pesticides, or artificial fertilizers. So, one way, it is good for your health. On the other hand, these organic coffee beans possess that extraordinary flavor and texture. Getting the same authenticity and richness through artificial means is simply impossible. That is probably why these organic beans are quite expensive.
After all, what the best coffee bean for you will depend on what taste you prefer and how much you are willing to spend on your daily dose of coffee. So before you start shopping for the best coffee beans, know your coffee spirit.
3. How To Brew Coffee Beans The Right Way?
It is pretty easy to get some coffee powder and make a quick cup of coffee. But if you are a truly passionate coffee enthusiast, you might want to experiment with new flavors. So, why not buy some fresh coffee beans, play with them, and make your own. The outcome will be worth your effort. Just to give you an idea, there are so many brewing methods and the list will go endless. Here are just three of the commonly used brewing methods that will complement any type of coffee beans.
Drip Method
This technique is pretty easy. You just need to put some coffee grounds over a paper filter and pour hot water over them. If you are dealing with whole beans, first you need to grind them before putting them on the filter.
French Press
Unlike filtering, here what you need to do is press your coffee grounds to the bottom of a container. You may even use a grinder to make things easier.
Cold Brewing
This is one of the most popular methods among coffee makers. Here, you soak the coffee beans in water at room temperature for around 12 to 24 hours. Afterward, you drain away from the sediments for a clean cup of coffee. What’s special here is that it is never exposed to heat. So, this is a must-try if you love to take it cool.
It’s completely fine to use any coffee bean to try the above methods. But certain varieties seem to work better with each brewing method than others. For example, it is a known fact that French Press works well with roasted coffee beans. Filtering is good with smooth coffee bean varieties that are less in bitterness like Arabica. So, know what your coffee bean is before you choose the brewing method.
4. Can You Eat Coffee Beans?
Ever thought about whether you could eat coffee beans? Maybe you are just curious. But the good news is yes. Just like any other fruit, coffee also starts as a cherry. The bean that you use for your coffee is just the inner part of it. True there is very little flesh in these cherries but it tastes sweet which is nothing similar to bitter coffee.
What about the coffee bean? The raw one is edible but will not give you a pleasant taste. But you may try some roasted ones to get a sense of a fresh coffee bite. Interestingly, many cafes insert some grinds of roasted coffee beans into coffee drinks to give you a better coffee vibe.
If you are an avid coffee drinker with coffee being an essential part of life, then it is a must that you know where they come from and how to choose the best ones. Wrapping up, the beauty of coffee beans is that they come in different types, flavors, aromas, and textures. So, your daily dose of energy need not be the same boring coffee every day. Why not add some variety and play around with your coffee beans? But, remember to pick the best coffee beans if you want to relish the delicacy of a perfect cup of coffee.
