Coffee is not simply a drink, it is an invitation to explore the world with each sip. The types of coffee beans become ambassadors of their homeland, carriers of flavors and aromas that transport us to different corners of the planet.
Since Incapto We want you to know the different typologies that exist, among which we find some well-known examples such as arabica coffee, soft and aromatic, the robusta coffee, known for its intensity, the mocha or the java, among others.
We are going to explain what makes each variety unique and how your choice of bean can influence the final experience of your cup of coffee. Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of coffee beans, where every detail counts and every choice opens the door to a new sensory adventure. Keep reading!
What are the different Types of Coffee Beans?
With a drink that has been with us for so long, it is easy to understand why there are currently several types of coffee beans, and that such extensive consumption inevitably ends up causing a specialization of the market and production.
These are the types of coffee beans What you can find today:
Arabica coffee
Arabica coffee is not only one of the two main types of coffee trees that adorn our planet, it is, in fact, the undisputed protagonist in the world of coffee. Representing between the 70% and 80% of global coffee production, is the one you are most likely to put to your lips whenever you have a cup.
Native to the highlands of Ethiopia, where its leaves began to be used to make infusions, Arabica coffee is distinguished not only by being the first type of coffee intentionally grown for the enjoyment of its beans, but also by its exceptionally soft and pleasant sensory profile, and aromas with traces of nuts and wild fruits.
Unlike robusta, arabica coffee is characterized by a more moderate caffeine content, ranging between 1% and 1.5%. This particularity not only makes it ideal for those looking to enjoy their coffee with a lower caffeine intensity, but also allows master roasters to create balanced blends, taking advantage of the richness of its flavor profiles.
Within the vast universe of Arabica, other varieties emerge such as the typica, with sweet and balanced notes, or the bourbon, with complex and intense aromas. Each with its own history and set of characteristics that further enrich the coffee scene.
We leave you this video where Bea Mesas highlights the main differences between the types of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.
https://youtu.be/x899jlRaT80
robusta coffee
Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this type of coffee is characterized by the robustness of its seeds, a quality that allows it to adapt and thrive in a wide range of terrains. Unlike its relative, the Arabica, which is grown between 800 and 2100 meters of altitude, the Robusta coffee tree does not require heights to develop, finding its home from 200 meters above sea level, which facilitates its cultivation in various geographical conditions.
This adaptability not only makes Robusta an option more accessible in terms of production, but also contributes to a lower cost in the market. However, it is important to highlight that, although its price may be lower, the Robusta has unique taste and smell attributes that, generally. They are considered of lower quality. Despite being a smaller grain, it contains more caffeine, approximately 2.7%, notably higher than that of Arabica.
Robusta coffee offers a intense and invigorating flavor experience, marked by a more bitter taste profile, a creamy texture and a notable absence of acidity.
Although some palates may find these characteristics challenging, it is precisely this power that makes Robusta a essential component in the preparation of espressos and blends. Its ability to generate a rich, dense crema makes it a favorite for those looking for an espresso with character or a solid base for blended coffee drinks.
If you want to know or better study all the differences between the two main types of coffee beans, we invite you to read this article with the 12 most notable differences.
Moka
Among the hidden gems of the world of coffee, specifically within the Arabic variety, the Mocha shines with its own light. Originating from the exotic port of Moka in Yemen, this type of Arabica coffee has sailed through history, carrying with it the legacy and richness of ancient trade routes.
Mocha coffee is distinguished by its unmistakably rich and smooth flavor profile, where chocolate notes predominate, accompanied by remarkably low acidity. This unique combination has led many to mistakenly associate it with a mixture of coffee and cocoa, when in reality, it is the pure and unadulterated nature of its beans that gives this bouquet of flavors.
Grown in the Yemeni mountains, this coffee is the result of a meticulous growing and harvesting process that has been perfected over centuries. Its name, a tribute to the port from where it was exported to all over the world, is today synonymous with quality and tradition.
Since Incapto We recommend this type of coffee beans to those who seek to fully enjoy its unique qualities.. From a pure espresso that allows us to savor its complexity, or as a base for lattes or cappuccinos, where its chocolate flavor can be complemented, but not overshadowed, by the smoothness of the milk.
You can even experiment further by giving it a touch of cinnamon or vanilla to further enhance its flavor profile, offering a comforting and nuanced cup.
Java
Within the Arabic variety We find Java. This type of coffee beans stands as an emblem of Indonesia, a jewel cultivated in the heart of a country with a history as deep as its volcanic soils. Originating from the 17th century, During the Dutch colonial period, Java not only represents an era of expansion and discovery, but also the adaptation and flourishing of coffee into new and promising terrain.
The java island, in particular, became synonymous with high quality coffee, with production that would soon expand beyond its shores, gaining favor in European markets and, eventually, around the world.
Java coffee is distinguished by a complex flavor profile and deeply rooted in the terroir of his homeland. with spicy notes Evoking the exotic biodiversity of Indonesia, this coffee offers a tasting experience that is both robust and refined. The Java seed, characterized by its intensity, brings with it touches of sweetness that unfold smoothly on the palate, leaving a lasting and pleasant impression.
Kenya AA
This type of grain is originally from Kenya, in the heart of Africa. There the volcanic lands nourish the Kenya AA coffee bean with unparalleled richness. This vArabica coffee variety whose name evokes both its geographical origin and its exceptional quality, it is grown at altitudes that favor a slow and full development of the beans, giving them an intensely rich and complex flavor profile.
The "AA" badge in its name is no coincidence, it represents the highest rating awarded in the Kenyan grading system, a meticulous process that evaluates beans based on their size, shape and, most importantly, quality. From Ug3 (the lowest) to AA, the highest.
The Kenya AA is distinguished by its intensity and body, a direct inheritance from the fertile volcanic lands in which it is cultivated. Its flavor profile is a symphony of citrus and fruit notes, with a characteristic touch of acidity which enhances its freshness. Coffee lovers will appreciate the shades of red and black berries, complemented with a subtle sweetness that balances the experience.
For those looking to get the most out of this coffee, we recommend that you prepare it with methods that allow for careful and controlled extraction, such as pour-over or French press. These methods not only respect the complexity of Kenya AA, but also allow the intensity and body to be adjusted to taste, ensuring a very personal cup.
Tarrazu
Variety of Arabica coffee beans originating from Costa Rica, where the volcanic soil enriches every seed it touches. Recognized worldwide for its exceptional quality, Tarrazú has earned a place of honor among coffee connoisseurs, thanks to its perfect balance between acidity and sweetness.
The combination of high altitudes, a temperate climate and mineral-rich soils provides a perfect environment for Tarrazú beans to develop their unique flavor profile. This area is known for its dedication to shade coffee, a sustainable agricultural practice which not only improves the quality of coffee but also protects local biodiversity.
Tarrazú coffee is distinguished by its medium body, slightly acidic, followed by sweet and complex notes reminiscent of chocolate. This combination of flavors creates a rich and balanced sensory experience, which unfolds smoothly with each sip.
For those who wish to explore the richness of Tarrazú, we recommend that you prepare it with methods that allow for complete and uniform extraction, such as the drip coffee maker or the pour-over method.
Typica
Typica is a variety of Arabica coffee, originally from Ethiopia. This variety embarked on a journey that would lead it to influence the coffee culture of regions as diverse as Mexico and Guatemala, where today it is widely cultivated and valued.
Despite its wide distribution, Typica production remains limited due to the delicacy of the plant. It requires specific growing conditions and attentive care, making its production as much of an art as it is a science.
Typica coffee is characterized by its sweet and balanced flavor profile, with notes that can vary from floral and fruity in specific regions, to more chocolatey and nutty nuances in others.
Grown in the highlands of Mexico and Guatemala, among other regions, Typica has found an ideal place to express its potential. The combination of rich soils, high altitudes and temperate climates contribute to developing the depth and complexity of its flavors.
New World
And we finish this review and journey through the different types of coffee beans with the Mundo Novo variety. Originally from Brazil, Mundo Novo is the result of meticulous selection and mixing process, a very common practice, where high-quality beans from different origins are brought together to create a variety with a unique and balanced flavor profile.
In this case, the Mundo Novo is born from the fusion of two varieties of coffee: Typica and Bourbon. The adaptability and resistance of Mundo Novo, combined with its ability to produce abundant, quality crops, quickly made it a favorite variety among Brazilian growers.
In Mundo coffee beans we will find the sweetness and aromatic complexity of Bourbon, along with the robustness and body of Typica. The result is a coffee with a full body, sweet notes reminiscent of caramel and chocolate, and soft acidity which balances the tasting experience.
Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of brewing methods, from espresso to filter coffee, allowing aficionados to experiment and discover the depth of its flavor.
Conclusion
The coffee is currently the most consumed drink in the world (the second if we also take into account water) and the second most traded commodity also globally. with 400 billion cups of coffee consumed annually worldwide, it is not difficult to imagine why this drink has formed a very important part of our history in a large number of cultures.
And we don't say it, it's that we base ourselves on this article we published on coffee consumption data in 2022.
And although coffee has a lot of history with us, the documented part is quite small: There are no concrete records of a coffee shop until 1672 in Paris, although it is known that this infusion has been consumed by humanity long, long before. Although its origins are disputed and are shrouded in logical mysticism, most agree that The birthplace of coffee is none other than Ethiopia, where the coffee tree or coffee plant grew naturally.
Although versions change, historians mainly point out the Mocha port, an important point on the slave trade route between Sudan and Yemen, as the first major point of expansion, since it is known that the slaves were fed with coffee beans.
And now it's your turn to discover and enjoy the different varieties of coffee beans Incapto of Arabic origin, although we also have 100% robusta coffee for lovers of the most intense coffee.