Coffee reveals more depth the more you become captivated by it.
The more you pursue authentic coffee, the more you may wonder, “What kinds of coffee beans are there in the world?”
Coffee beans are harvested in many regions around the world, and each land and climate give rise to distinctive tastes and flavors.
This time, we will introduce a few coffee tidbits—little facts that can make your everyday cup taste a bit better just by knowing them!
There are two types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta
More than 99% of the coffee we drink falls into either Arabica or Robusta.
There is also Liberica, mainly grown in West Africa and Southeast Asia, but its production is less than 1% worldwide, so we will omit it here.
Globally, Arabica accounts for roughly 60–70% of production, while Robusta makes up about 30–40%.
Both are coffee beans, but growing conditions greatly affect flavor, aroma, and body, so we will introduce their characteristics.
Aromatic and delicate Arabica
Arabica is a familiar variety often called the “classic” of coffee.
It’s commonly referred to as regular coffee and is the type you’ll encounter at home, in cafés, and in restaurants.
It is cultivated above 1,000 m and slowly matured in areas with temperature variation, and is characterized by a good balance of acidity and sweetness, pronounced aroma, and a mellow flavor.
In fact, most of the world’s high-quality coffees are Arabica.
It also contains less caffeine, making it easier to drink, and its stable flavor makes it a good choice for beginners.
Robusta: strong bitterness and a powerful body
Robusta delivers a punchy flavor and a substantial mouthfeel.
It is often used in blends for espresso and instant coffee.
Grown at lower altitudes below 500 m and resistant to heat and pests, it is characterized by a strong body and modest aroma.
High-quality Robusta, improved through breeding so you can sense nutty and chocolate-like flavors beneath the bitterness, has been a recent trend.
It contains about twice the caffeine of Arabica, making it an excellent choice for a wake-up cup.
Representative lineages and characteristics of Arabica and Robusta
Although there are mainly two species of coffee beans, each branches into several lineages.
No lineage is inherently superior; the key is to choose according to the occasion and your preference.
Representative Arabica lineages
- Typica — a traditional variety close to the original species. Characterized by nut-like sweetness and a clean aftertaste.
- Bourbon — a descendant of Typica. Noted for chocolate and caramel-like aromas.
- Geisha — a high-end variety originating from Ethiopia. Known for floral and tea-like aromas.
Geisha, in particular, receives high praise at international barista competitions and is a special bean worth trying at least once.
Representative Robusta lineages
- Canephora — the main Robusta lineage. Characterized by strong bitterness, body, and richness.
- Fine Robusta — a selectively bred Robusta. Features Robusta’s qualities plus enhanced flavor.
Adding a small amount of Robusta to a blend helps produce a clean crema on espresso and adds depth to the flavor.