16 Types of Coffee Beans to Choose From Today

There are several ways to distinguish different types of coffee beans. In this article, we will address some of the most important factors of different types of coffee beans.

Coffee is cultivated all over the world, with many origins. It grows well in a warmer climate, which is why you will find almost all coffee-growing regions at less than 20 degrees from the Equator.

There are two main types of coffee beans: Coffea Arabica (Arabica coffee) and Coffea Robusta (Robusta coffee). The other two types of coffee, Liberica, and Excelsa are found only in Southeast Asia and account for a small percentage of total world production.

Of the two most common coffees, Arabica is usually the most sensitive, growing at high altitudes and on rugged terrain. Robusta is a much more resistant plant and can be grown on flat and low ground.

Almost all coffee specialties are Arabica coffee. The difference in taste and quality between the two coffees can be huge. Arabica coffee, although a more difficult plant to grow, has unique characteristics that can vary depending on the region and variety.

While Robusta may have different characteristics, this coffee bean does not normally have the acidity and sweetness that Arabica coffee possesses, but it does tend to have higher caffeine content. In general, Robusta has been used in coffee bean blends to add depth and body to the coffee, while Arabica beans add sweeter notes.

Although Robusta is still widely used in many commercially produced coffees, for most independent roasters or specialty coffee shops, the only solution is Arabica.

Due to the difficulties of production and the place where it is grown, Arabica has been, over time, a fairly expensive and luxurious coffee. Although, in general, a higher price is still charged than for Robusta coffee, the comparative cost ratio has declined in recent years. This is because more infrastructure and education have increased Arabica production and quality, as well as the fact that consumers are demanding better quality coffee beans.

Another thing you will see on a coffee bag is the variety of coffee. If compared to cars, Arabica and Robusta would be the brand of the car, while variety would be the model. Here is a list of different varieties of Arabica coffee plants.

1. Typica is cultivated all over the world. It is considered the original coffee variety.
2. Bourbon is found all over the world and is a natural mutation of the typical plant, native to Reunion. It was cultivated even more before the specialized market matured.
3. Caturra is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, founded in Brazil. It is popular in Colombia and Central America.
4. Mundo Novo is a hybrid of Bourbon and Typica. It has a natural resistance to disease and produces a high yield.
5. Catuai is a hybrid of Caturra and Mundo Novo, created in Brazil. It accounts for about 50% of Brazilian coffee.
6. Maragogype is a mutation of Typica discovered in Brazil. It produces large grains, called Elephant grains.
7. Pacas was discovered by the Pacas family in El Salvador, has high quality, and is a low-growing plant, which makes harvesting easy.
8. Pacamara is a cross between the Pacas and Maragogype varieties. It has distinct qualities of the glass, unique for this variety, and produces large berries.
9. SL-28 was developed in Kenya in the 1930s, produces amazing berry aromas, and is highly sought after in the world of specialty coffee.
10. The SL-34 was a development similar to the SL-28, in that it was created to grow during drought. It is not as widely sought after, but it still has remarkable flavors.
11. Geisha is believed to be of Ethiopian origin, named after the city of Gesha. She became famous on a Panamanian farm because she has an extremely unique flavor profile. Produces a small but high-quality quantity.
12. Villa Sarchi was first discovered in Costa Rica. Produces excellent cup quality.
13. Kent was created in India to combat leaf rust.
14. S795 was also created in India to combat leaf rust. It is now widely planted in Indonesia.
15. Many Ethiopian coffees are labeled "Heirloom" and are varieties that have been crossed and produce a huge range of interesting qualities.
16. Catimor is a cross between the Caturra and Timor varieties to withstand the rust of Brazil leaves.