If you’re like us at Double Trouble, coffee is more than just a beverage — it’s a way of life. Whether you’re sipping your morning brew to kickstart the day or enjoying an afternoon pick-me-up, that cup of coffee is made possible by a humble little seed: the coffee bean. 

But not all coffee beans are created equal. There are different types, each with its own unique flavor profile, and each contributing to the vast world of coffee that we all love so much.

In this post, we’ll dive into the different types of coffee beans, what makes them special, and how to choose the right one for your next cup.

Let’s take a friendly, deep dive into the world of coffee beans!

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What Are Coffee Beans, Anyway?

At their most basic, coffee beans are the seeds found inside the fruit of the coffee plant, known as the coffee cherry. After harvesting, the beans are processed and roasted to bring out the flavors that make coffee so delicious.

The coffee bean itself isn’t inherently “coffee-flavored” (as surprising as that might sound!). It’s the roasting process that unlocks the flavors we associate with our favorite cup of joe. But, the type of coffee bean used in your brew plays a huge role in determining the flavor profile.

In short: the right bean can make all the difference between a great cup of coffee and a “meh” cup of coffee.

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The Four Main Types of Coffee Beans

When it comes to coffee, there are four main types of beans you’ll come across: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Let’s break them down and see what makes each one special.

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Arabica Beans (Coffea arabica)

What are Arabica coffee beans?

Arabica beans are considered the gold standard in the coffee world. They make up about 60-70% of the world’s coffee production, and for good reason. These beans tend to have a smooth, well-balanced flavor with hints of sweetness, fruit, and even a floral note here and there. They have less caffeine than other varieties, which means they tend to have a milder flavor that coffee lovers adore. Think of them as the sophisticated, refined choice in the coffee family.

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Where are Arabica coffee beans from?

Arabica beans are grown at higher altitudes in regions with cooler climates. This makes countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, and Central America prime locations for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. If you’re ever sipping a cup of coffee from one of these regions, you’re probably tasting Arabica beans at their finest.

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What’s the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans?

The main difference comes down to flavor and caffeine content. Arabica beans have a smooth, nuanced flavor profile with a slight sweetness. They’re more delicate, which is why they tend to be pricier than their counterparts. On the other hand, Robusta beans (which we’ll talk about next) are much bolder, with a bitter, earthy flavor and more caffeine. Robusta is often used in espresso blends to add extra strength, while Arabica is preferred for its complexity and smoother taste.

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Robusta Beans (Coffea canephora)

If Arabica is the sophisticated choice, Robusta is the bold, in-your-face type. These beans have a much stronger, more bitter flavor, often described as earthy, woody, or even somewhat nutty. Because they have higher caffeine content than Arabica beans, Robusta tends to pack more of a punch.

Where are Robusta beans from?

Robusta beans thrive in lower altitudes and hot, tropical climates. That’s why you’ll find them in places like Vietnam, Indonesia, and parts of Africa. In fact, Vietnam is one of the largest producers of Robusta coffee beans, so chances are, if you’ve ever had a strong, bitter cup of coffee, it probably had some Robusta in it.

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Liberica Beans (Coffea liberica)

Liberica is a bit of a wild card in the coffee world. These beans aren’t as common as Arabica or Robusta, but they have a devoted following due to their unique, complex flavor profile. Liberica beans tend to be smoky, woody, and sometimes even a little fruity or floral. They’re definitely not for everyone, but if you’re looking to try something a bit different, Liberica is worth exploring.

Where are Liberica beans from?

Liberica beans are grown mainly in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Malaysia. These beans are often used in local blends, and they tend to have a strong, aromatic presence. If you’re ever in the Philippines, you might find some delicious, locally roasted Liberica coffee waiting for you.

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Excelsa Beans (Coffea excelsa)

Excelsa is actually a variety of Liberica, but it’s unique enough to warrant its own category. These beans are known for their unusual and complex flavor profile. You might encounter tangy, fruity, and even slightly funky notes in Excelsa beans, which is why they’re often used in blends to add a bit of depth and complexity. Excelsa’s distinctive character is what makes it such a fun choice for adventurous coffee drinkers.

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Where are Excelsa beans from?

Excelsa beans are mainly grown in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines. They’re not as widely produced as Arabica or Robusta, which makes them a bit more rare, but they’re prized for the bold, adventurous flavors they bring to the table.

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How Bean Processing Affects Flavor

It’s not just the type of bean that determines the flavor—it’s also how the bean is processed. The two most common methods of processing are washed (wet) and natural (dry).

Washed process: This method involves removing the coffee cherry’s outer fruit layer before the beans are dried. This results in a cleaner, brighter flavor, with more pronounced acidity and floral notes. Beans processed this way tend to have a more refined and delicate profile.

Natural process: In this method, the beans are dried with the fruit still attached. This results in a fuller, fruitier flavor with more body and sweetness. It’s often used with beans from regions like Ethiopia, where the natural sweetness of the fruit can really shine through.

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The Roast: Dark vs. Light and Everything In Between

The roast level also plays a big role in the flavor of your coffee. Light roasts tend to highlight the natural flavors of the beans, preserving their original profiles. Medium roasts strike a balance between the bean’s origin flavors and the roasted characteristics, while dark roasts are bold and smoky, with the roasting process taking center stage.

If you’re using Arabica beans, you might enjoy them most in a light to medium roast to bring out their natural sweetness. On the other hand, Robusta beans (with their more intense flavors) are often used in darker roasts for a bolder, more robust cup.

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Where to Buy Arabica Coffee Beans?

Now that you know all about Arabica beans, you might be wondering, “Where can I get some of these delicious beans?” Well, look no further than Double Trouble Coffee!

Double Trouble Coffee specializes in high-quality, freshly roasted Arabica beans sourced from some of the best coffee-growing regions around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee expert or just starting out, Double Trouble Coffee has a selection of Arabica beans that will take your coffee game to the next level. 

You can shop online or visit the store to experience their unique blends and single-origin offerings firsthand. Trust me, once you try their beans, you’ll be hooked.

Fun Coffee Facts (For Extra Flavor!)

• Did you know coffee was originally consumed as a fruit snack before it was brewed? The coffee cherries were eaten raw or mashed into a paste!
  
  
• The world’s most expensive coffee, Jamaican Blue Mountain, can cost upwards of £150 per kilo! Talk about a luxury cup!
  
  

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sipping on a smooth Arabica brew or a bold Robusta espresso, every coffee bean tells a story. From the regions they come from to the methods used to process and roast them, there’s so much to explore and enjoy in the world of coffee.

So, take some time to experiment with different beans, roasts, and brewing methods. Don’t forget to check out local coffee roasters like us at Double Trouble Coffee for some top-notch beans!