Ever wondered where your favourite cup of delicious bean juice came from?
Arabica
Arabica is the most common (and certainly most heavily marketed) type of
coffee in North America. That’s because it actually has a sweeter, more
delicate flavor and the coffee itself tends to be less acidic. Arabica
beans are farmed in areas with high elevations above sea level,
particularly those where rain is plentiful. Learn more here
Robusta
When it comes to global production, Robusta coffee beans are second on the
list and the most popular in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Its name
does this bean justice, as it is known for its strong and often harsh
flavor profile. Robusta coffees have extremely high levels of caffeine,
which makes the plant far more resilient than the Arabica species. That’s
because the caffeine acts as natural insect repellent, eliminating a major
threat to the tree. Learn more here
Liberica
Liberica coffee beans are a rare treat. They’re grown in very specific
climates with production being far too scarce for farmers to scale their
operations to truly satisfy a global marketplace. Even still, the beans
are considered a pleasant surprise. Many who’ve tried the coffee liken the
aroma to fruit and flowers and describe the flavor as having a somewhat
“woody” taste. Learn more here
Excelsa
Excelsa is technically a member of the Liberica family, but its species is
actually incredibly distinct. Like the Liberica coffee described above,
Excelsa is grown primarily in Southeast Asia and represents only a small
fraction of the world’s coffee production. Excelsa does boast a tart,
fruitier flavor and is known for showing attributes of both light and dark
roast coffees to create a unique profile that is frequently sought out by
coffee enthusiasts.