Coffee bean variety classification: understand the main types and their characteristics

Coffee bean variety classification and characteristics

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and the taste and flavor of coffee depends mainly on the coffee beans used. Globally, there are many different types of coffee beans, each with unique characteristics and taste. This article will introduce several major coffee bean varieties and their respective characteristics.

Arabica

Arabica is one of the most common and widely used coffee bean varieties. It accounts for more than 70% of the global market. Arabica has low acidity, sweetness and bitterness, and often has floral, fruity or chocolate aromas. This makes it the ideal balance of taste and flavor for many people.

Arabica grows in high altitude areas, such as Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia, etc. Because it has high requirements for environmental conditions, it needs more attention and care during the cultivation process. This is one of the reasons why the price of Arabica coffee beans is usually higher.

Robusta

Robusta is another common coffee bean variety, which accounts for about 30% of the global market. Compared with Arabica, Robusta has higher acidity, bitterness and caffeine content. It usually has a nutty or woody aroma and a stronger and richer taste.

Robusta grows in low-altitude areas, such as Vietnam, Brazil, India, etc. It is less demanding on environmental conditions and easier to cultivate and harvest. This also makes Robusta have a higher return rate and a relatively low price.

Other varieties

In addition to Arabica and Robusta, there are some other special varieties of coffee beans:

• Excelsa: Excelsa is a niche variety with a small share of the global market. It has similar acidity and bitterness to Robusta, but with a lighter and fruitier taste.
• Kona: Kona is a special variety produced in Hawaii. It has lower acidity, rich sweetness and nutty aroma. Due to its unique growing environment, the price of Kona coffee beans is relatively high.
• Maragogipe: Maragogipe is a very large coffee bean variety also known as "ivory bean". It has low acidity, a full-bodied taste and rich aroma.

These different varieties of coffee beans have their own unique market share around the world and are loved by different consumer groups. No matter which variety you like, every cup of carefully brewed coffee can bring you a unique and wonderful experience.

Conclusion

By understanding the main coffee bean varieties and their characteristics, we can better choose coffee that suits our taste preferences. Whether you like the softness and aroma of Arabica, the richness and mellowness of Robusta, or the taste experience of other special varieties, every cup of coffee has its own uniqueness.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand coffee bean varieties and will allow you to feel more confident and satisfied when choosing coffee in the future.