There are numerous types of coffee beans found all around the world. The primary coffee bean variety grown and consumed is Arabica coffee beans. But even then, there are many other varieties of coffee beans and even individual types within them!
Read on and learn about some of the most exotic and new varieties of coffee beans available.
Also known as coffea liberica, Liberica beans are one of the primary species of coffee bean sold commercially in global markets.
It is native to Liberia, hence its name, as well as central and western Africa. It is also grown in large amounts in the Phillipines, Borneo, Java, and in South America.
Unlike other coffee bean varieties, Liberica beans often grow into asymmetric teardrop shapes. When washed, they're noted to have a similar aroma to jackfruits, giving off a floral and fruity scent. It has an earthy, robust body and a smoky, woody flavor with a slightly fruity taste to it as well.
The flavor differs between its two sub-varieties: Barako and Excelsa. Barako is woodier with a hint of spice, while Excelsa is more floral and fruitier. Although the Liberica bean is less well-known, it is a worthwhile variety to try.
Read more about Liberica Coffee Beans in this detailed post!
Another less popular coffee bean type, Excelsa beans, is one of the most obscure and rare types of coffee beans in the world. Though they have their own unique qualities, these beans have been considered a variety of the Liberica coffee species since 2006.
Because of this, Excelsa beans, as an individual variety, can be difficult to find within the commercial market. It is often used in blends to provide a more intense body and aftertaste. However, Excelsa coffee is also said to taste somewhat like wood and popcorn, with a slight fruitiness. A darker roasted Excelsa bean is said to brew coffee with a darker, more chocolatey flavor profile.
The Excelsa coffee bean is hard to find specifically since its production is lumped in with Liberica coffee beans. However, for lifetime coffee enthusiasts looking to discover fresh, complex flavor profiles, consider looking more into Excelsa coffee.
Robusta beans are among the most popular types of coffee beans in the world, accounting for around 40% to 45% of global coffee production. It is second only to Arabica beans.
It hails from central and western sub-Saharan Africa, but today is mostly grown in Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Uganda. Though it contains a smaller share in global coffee production compared to Arabica beans, robusta beans do produce a higher crop yield and are easier to grow.
Robusta coffee is sometimes considered a lower quality coffee since it has a more earthy and bitter taste than Arabica beans, which are fruity and mild. Because of this, robusta coffee beans are often used as filler for coffee blends and as instant coffee. However, it is also highly favored in Italy and used in traditional espresso coffee blends, where it adds crema – or foam – to the shot of espresso.
They also provide a higher amount of caffeine, adding to Robusta beans being perfect as espresso beans. While Arabica coffee beans are favored for their acidity and smoother taste, robusta beans remain a strong contender, especially when the robusta beans are high-quality and blended with Arabica beans for espresso.
Click here to learn more about Robusta coffee beans in this detailed post!
Ethiopia is known as the origin of the coffee plant. It is said to have hailed from the Kaffa region of the country, hence why it is called "coffee" today. Moreover, along with its deep history, Ethiopia produces some of the best coffee beans in the world across several of its key coffee-farming regions.
In particular, coffee beans from the Yirgacheffe region are known to be among the best. Sold in many places as a specialty coffee, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee has a spicy, floral aroma, a delicate body, and a sweet, delicious flavor with citrus notes that add to its bright, crisp acidity.
Other Ethiopian coffee varieties include the single-origin Genika, as well as coffee beans from the regions of Harar, Guji, and Kaffa. Each variety offers its own unique flavor profiles and aromas that are immensely worth a try.
Coffee drinkers will find themselves on a journey around the world as they enjoy the rich flavor of Ethiopian coffee beans. Try your own bag of Ethiopian beans and taste coffee from its deepest roots.
Not to be confused with the performing artists of Japan, Geisha or "Gesha" coffee is a coffee bean made from trees in the Gori Gesha forests in Ethiopia. These are quickly becoming the most sought-after types of coffee beans in the world due to their unique flavor profile.
Geisha coffee beans produce brews that offer sweet, complex flavors and aromatic notes of jasmine, chocolate, black tea, and honey. This outstanding flavor profile has made it among the more expensive varieties of coffee beans in the world, both inside and outside Ethiopia.
As the world's largest producer of Arabica beans, Brazilian coffee beans are among the most diverse in terms of their flavor profile and body. Coffee is grown in 14 regions across the country. Each one produces different types of coffee beans with their own unique profiles.
Generally, Brazilian coffee beans are known to have a mild, sweet, and nutty flavor with hints of chocolate. It is also recognized for its low acidity, making it smoother and easier to drink even with a darker roast. This property has made Brazilian coffee beans a key component in various specialty and espresso coffee blends.
Because of its immense production, you've more than likely had a taste of coffee from Brazilian beans. However, consider trying the fruity and citrus flavors of beans from Minas Gerais. Or get robusta beans grown in the Espirito Santo region, known for having a brighter acidity and creamy body.
Overall, with Brazilian coffee, there are so many varieties to pick and choose from that you can never go wrong.
The third largest coffee producer in the world is Colombia, just below Brazil and Vietnam. The country grows numerous varieties of Arabica beans on farms across the Medellin, Armenia, and Manizales regions. This has made Colombian coffee among the most popular sources for everyday brew coffee in the world.
Colombian coffee boasts a fruity sweetness along with a citrus-like acidity. It is also known to have a slight hint of nuttiness in its aftertaste. On top of that, Colombian coffee has a medium body, further proving it is an excellent coffee bean for your daily brew.
While it may not be at the top of every list, Colombian coffee beans offer a delicious and versatile brew. It can be used in light or dark roasts and is even a worthwhile choice for espresso beans. Try a delicious cup of Colombian coffee. And if you already have, you might go for another.
Among coffee-producing nations, Peru is among the most unrecognized due to its small size and the disorganized infrastructure of its coffee industry. Most of its coffee production comes from smaller farms that have grown their beans organically and handpick them during harvest time. In recent years, several farms have joined together into co-ops in order to ensure that they are produced at Fair Trade quality and rates.
Peruvian coffee differs according to the region they are grown in. Beans grown in lower elevation areas are known to have an even, smooth body with nutty, fruity, and floral notes, along with a mildly acidic taste. On the other hand, those grown in higher elevations are said to have a sweet, rich flavor, a fragrantly floral aroma, and bright acidity.
Neither elevation produces lower quality coffee, just different coffee that fits different palettes. Explore your options and discover the uniqueness of Peruvian coffee beans, all while supporting hardworking, Fair-Trade coffee farms.
Mexico is among the top 10 coffee producers in the world. Mainly producing Arabica beans, their farms are centralized in the south of the country, near the border with Guatemala. These areas include hot, tropical climates, as well as mountain ranges and jungles, that ensure excellent growing conditions.
The best Mexican coffee beans are known to provide a dry, delicate body, a fruity and sweet flavor, and a sharp acidity that is enjoyable with every sip. Depending on different regions, certain coffee beans may also offer a rich, nutty flavor and even hints of chocolate. The best regions for Mexican coffee beans are Chiapas, Altura Coatepec, and Oaxaca.
If you're looking to try something new, Mexican coffee beans are among the highest in quality. Whether as part of a blend or a single-origin bag, rest assured that you'll enjoy your cup of joe when it's made with Mexican coffee beans.
Guatemalan coffee beans are among the finest coffee beans available on the market. Producers grow in a wide variety of areas, from the rich-soiled valleys of Antigua, the high altitudes of Huehuetenango, and the lovely and fertile Atitlan Lake region. They also use a variety of different growing methods and Arabica coffee bean varieties to make coffees with unique qualities.
For example, beans from Antigua offer a heavy, full body with a savory, chocolatey flavor. Coffee beans from Huehuetenango will have delicate fruity notes with a light and buttery body. Varieties from Atitlan differ, either producing a spiced acidity or a rich floral flavor.
Their diverse growing conditions and the meticulous processing methods growers use ensure Guatemalan coffees offer an immense range of delicious flavors and deep experiences.
Costa Rica provides some of the best coffee beans that Central and South America has to offer. Mainly using varieties of Arabica beans, including Caturra and Catuai, Costa Rican coffee beans enjoy a versatile range of flavors according to the many growing regions of the country. Generally, Costa Rican coffee beans are known to have a sweet aroma, similar to brown sugar, a rounded body, bright acidity, and a fruity, citrusy flavor.
However, for beans produced in the elevated Tarrazu region, the coffee is known to have a heavy, syrupy body with a complex aroma. For those who seek a sweet taste, a silky body, and fruity and bright acidity, Costa Rican coffee from the Monte Crisol region is your best bet.
These are just a few of the varieties of Costa Rican coffee beans, but there are many more to consider. Learn about them, try them, and experience the exotic tastes and flavors.
Nicaraguan coffee beans, like those of Costa Rica and Guatemala, provide a tremendous range of flavors from the country's many climates and traditional production processes. Arabica coffee production occurs in the northern regions of Jinotega, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia. A slow-growing Robusta production exists near the country's southern coastline.
Nicaraguan coffee is known for its citrus-like acidity and buttery nut flavors, with notes of chocolate and a silky body. Of course, as with most coffees, different growing regions also affect the flavor. Beans from the Jinotega region produce a balanced flavor profile with nutty and chocolatey flavors and hints of fruitiness. But coffee from Matagalpa offers a more vibrantly acidic experience.
Nicaragua is a beautiful country that produces delicious, high-quality coffee beans. Consider their varieties next time you're at the store or when browsing your favorite online coffee supplier.
Producing a healthy balance of robusta beans and Arabica beans, Indonesia is yet another vast producer of coffee. Its highest-producing regions include Bali, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Java. Because of the vast variety of conditions in every region, you'll find that each one has incredible differences in their body and flavor profiles.
Bali's Kintamani coffee beans produce a drink that is fruity and bright in acidity, along with a floral aroma similar to jasmine, rose, or citrus blossoms. Beans from South Sulawesi's Toraja region provide a smooth, balanced flavor profile that includes ripe berries, stone fruits, and citrus notes. They may also offer nutty or warm spice notes similar to cinnamon or cardamom.
Indonesian coffee beans offer a huge variety of options to choose from. If you're a coffee lover who's thinking of globe-trotting with your taste buds, try starting with a bag of beans from Indonesia.
One of several Indonesian coffee varieties, the Sumatran coffee bean is distinct in the high quality of its beans and the incredible flavors in its brews. Sumatran coffee comes in three regional varieties, including Mandheling and Lintong.
Each one has its own unique taste, but the main flavor profile is its full body, low acidity, and herbal aroma. Mandheling is known to have a syrupy body and sweetness with a hint of nutmeg, cardamom, or cinnamon spiciness. The Lintong variety has a more medium body with an earthy, woody, spiced flavor to it.
Coffee enthusiasts looking for a unique drinking experience will find it with Sumatran coffee beans.
Yet another variety of Indonesian coffee beans, Java was actually the first to produce coffee before any other island in Indonesia. The island of Java was where the coffee plant was first planted and produced during the Dutch colonial era. It was then shipped to Europe, which led to coffee becoming synonymous with the term "java."
As for Java coffee's flavor profile, it is typical of most Arabica bean varieties but has its own unique qualities. A good Java coffee bean will produce a nice heavy body with lower acidity than other Indonesian beans. It will also have an earthy and somewhat herbal undertone and a sweet, spicy flavor, all with a smooth finish.
So, for your next cup of java, consider grabbing a bag sourced from Java itself.
Hawaiian Kona is among the most expensive and delicious types of coffee beans in the world. Grown in the Kona District of the Big Island of Hawaii, the region offers ideal soil and climate conditions for coffee beans. Growers of the area use a variety of Arabica beans known as Typica, but small amounts of Jamaican Blue Mountain are produced there as well.
High-quality Kona coffee beans offer a balanced, medium body and a complex flavor profile, with spiciness, buttery sweetness, and subtle wine-like notes. It is also incredibly aromatic and perfect with every sip. On top of that, Kona-grown Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee can have a sweetness and a more vibrant acidity with minimal bitterness.
Getting coffee that has grown in Kona means you are getting some of the best coffee out there. Enjoy your cup of Kona with every sip, and experience the flavors of Hawaii.
While there are some coffee-based drinks that include a nice shot of Bourbon, there are also bourbon beans, which are a variety of Arabica coffee beans. Though it originated from the French island of Reunion just east of Madagascar, Bourbon coffee beans are now grown all over the world. This has led to it having its own varieties according to location.
For example, Bourbon coffee beans from El Salvador are known to have buttery, sweet flavors similar to toffee, while those from Rwanda will contain fruitier overtones. In general, they are sweet and balanced with a clean finish.
Bourbon is such a popular variety of the Arabica coffee plant because it consistently produces high-quality coffee. Find out for yourself and get a bag today.
Simply put, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is among the most famous and outstanding coffee beans grown in the world. Grown in the Blue Mountain District of Jamaica, the region's soil conditions are rich with nutrients and excellent drainage. The climate is cool and misty, and it experiences plentiful rain.
Blue Mountain coffee beans are sought-after for their lack of bitterness and sweet, almost creamy flavor. It is also known for its bright acidity and notes of sweet herbs, buttery nuttiness, and hints of floral aroma.
Overall, Jamaican Blue Mountain is the peak of coffee beans in the world. If only for once in your life, get your hands on some and experience its tremendous flavors.
Pacamara coffee beans are a cross between the Pacas and Maragogipe varieties of coffee beans. Originating from El Salvador, Pacamara coffee beans are known to provide a high-quality flavor profile. It is known to have flavors ranging from overtones of chocolate and fruit to refreshing herbal notes.
In addition, some crops of this coffee bean can also yield a vegetal flavor as well, creating an immensely bitter and earthy flavor. This is because the Pacamara variant is not as genetically stable as other variants, with certain crops of the plant reverting to Pacas 10% to 12% of the time.
All the same, if you find Pacamara available to you, consider trying this novel and its extraordinary variety. You'll surely be surprised, for good or worse.
Mocha coffee is from the second origin point of coffee, Yemen. This variety of coffea arabicahas small, hardy beans with a rounded shape and often olive green or pale yellow in color. The name of this variety comes from the port of "al-Mukha" or Mocha, hence the name. Today, it is still largely sold in Yemen and grown in the mountain districts of Jabal Haraz, ul-Udayn, and Ta'izz.
Yemen's Mocha coffee beans offer a full body and a complex flavor profile. This includes fruit and spice notes with a wine-like acidity and a hint of velvety chocolate. Also, among the first coffee blends was Mocha Java. This mixed Mocha's fruity and sweet flavor and Indonesian Java's heavy body. Together, their flavors produce a smooth, balanced, and delicious flavor profile.
So, if you're interested in tasting a cup of one of the original coffee beans, try a bag of Mocha or even Mocha Java coffee.
[¹]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_liberica#/media/File:Liberica_coffee_beans,_roasted.jpg
[²]https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/05/what-is-excelsa-coffee/
[³]https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Coffee_beans_robusta.jpg
[⁴]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Ethiopia#/media/File:Coffee_berry_sorting_process,_near_Hawassa.jpg
[⁵]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Geisha_Coffee.jpg
[⁶]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Brazilian_coffee_beans.jpg
[⁷]https://www.homeroastingsupplies.com/cdn/shop/products/columbianhuila.jpg?v=1709221627
[⁸]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Peruvian_Coffee_Beans.jpg
[⁹]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Mexico#/media/File:Coffee_Roasting.jpg
[¹⁰]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Guatemala#/media/File:Coffee_beans_being_sorted_and_pulped.jpg
[¹¹]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/Coffee-cherries-green-coffee-tarrazu-costa-rica.jpg
[¹²]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Nicaragua#/media/File:Coffee_Plant_near_the_Quilal%C3%AD_-_San_Juan_del_R%C3%ADo_Coco_border.jpg
[¹³]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/af/Coffe_Plantation.jpeg
[¹⁴]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/COLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Een_man_op_leeftijd_tijdens_het_pellen_van_koffie_bij_megalieten_in_het_dorp_Bena_TMnr_20018314.jpg
[¹⁵]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_bean#/media/File:Roasted_coffee_beans.jpg
[¹⁶]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Kona_Coffee_fruits%282%29.jpg
[¹⁷]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Bourbon_Coffee.jpg
[¹⁸]https://www.experiencejamaique.com/sites/default/files/public/styles/collageformatter/public/collageformatter/field/image/1440x960_symlink_Jamaican%20coffee.jpg?itok=raCX84an
[¹⁹]https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/varieties/pacamara
[²⁰]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mocha_coffee_bean#/media/File:Moka_arabika_Pj_DSC_1532.jpg
