Main types of coffee beans and their market distribution

Coffee beans can be divided into two main categories: Arabica beans and Robusta beans. These two types of coffee beans dominate the market, each with its own characteristics and wide range of uses.

Arabica beans (Coffea arabica) originated in Ethiopia and are currently the most common type of coffee beans in the world. Its main characteristics are small beans, soft taste, moderate acidity, and obvious fruity and floral aromas. Due to its high requirements for the growing environment, Arabica beans are mainly grown in high-altitude areas, such as Colombia, Kenya, and Brazil.

Compared with Arabica beans, Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are more drought-resistant and pest-resistant, have a shorter growth cycle and higher yields. Robusta beans are usually more intense in flavor, with a significant bitterness and woodiness, and a higher caffeine content. This makes it very common in making espresso and instant coffee, and its main production areas include Vietnam, India and Brazil.

Arabica beans account for about 60% to 70% of the market share and are usually used in the high-end coffee market, while Robusta beans are widely used in mass-market and blended coffee due to their lower production costs and higher tolerance.

The elegant qualities and market position of Arabica beans

Arabica beans (Coffea arabica) are widely regarded as the representative of high-quality coffee, and their cultivation conditions are extremely demanding. They are usually grown in high-altitude areas, with altitudes between 600 and 2,000 meters, where the temperature is relatively stable and the temperature difference between day and night is large. This environment can promote the flavor development of Arabica beans, making them more rich and complex.

In terms of flavor characteristics, Arabica beans are known for their soft taste and delicate acidity. Their taste usually has subtle flavors of fruit, flowers, and chocolate. Such flavor characteristics make Arabica beans very popular in the coffee market and are often used to make high-end coffee.

Arabica beans

Robusta beans tolerance and market application

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora), commonly known as Robusta beans, are known for their remarkable drought and pest tolerance. This type of coffee bean is more adaptable to adverse growing conditions than Arabica beans, and can grow at low altitudes and in high temperatures, making its yield more stable in different climates.

In terms of flavor, Robusta beans are significantly different from Arabica beans. Robusta beans are usually stronger in flavor, with a distinct bitter and woody taste, often accompanied by a slight earthy flavor. Due to its higher caffeine content, Robusta beans have a more solid flavor and are suitable for making drinks that require a strong flavor, such as espresso and coffee with milk.

In the coffee market, Robusta beans are mainly used to produce instant coffee and low-priced coffee. Its low production cost and high yield make it one of the most common beans on the market. Although its flavor is not as complex as Arabica beans, its tolerance and high caffeine content make it extremely advantageous for certain coffee uses.

Discover the unique flavors of Liberica and Excelsa beans

In addition to Arabica and Robusta beans, there are several other less common but equally unique types of coffee beans on the coffee market, among which Liberica beans (Coffea liberica) and Excelsa beans (Coffea excelsa) are particularly worthy of attention.

Originally from West Africa, Liberica beans have a distinctive appearance and flavor. They are larger and more irregular in shape than Arabica and Robusta beans. The flavor of Liberica beans often has a unique woody and floral aroma, with a strong and layered taste. Due to its low production, Liberica beans are often used in specialty coffee blends to give the coffee a unique flavor experience.

Excelsa beans, once known as "Excelsa", are a variant of the Liberica bean. It is mainly grown in the Philippines and Malaysia, and its beans are also large and irregular. Excelsa beans have rich and varied flavors, often with fruity and spicy notes, but their circulation in the market is relatively small, and they are mostly used in the blending of specialty coffees to enhance the complexity of the flavor.

Although these coffee beans account for a relatively small share of the global coffee market, their unique flavor profiles and scarcity have earned them a place in the specialty coffee market. For coffee lovers who seek variety and unique flavors, these beans undoubtedly provide a rich choice.

The influence and optimization of roasting process on coffee flavor

The roasting process of coffee beans has a decisive influence on their flavor. When roasting, the temperature and time changes that the beans experience affect their chemical composition, thus changing the taste and aroma of the final coffee. Light roasting usually retains more acidity and fruity aroma, making the coffee flavor more refreshing. Dark roasting brings stronger bitterness and caramel flavors, making the coffee more rich and heavy.

Different types of coffee beans exhibit different flavor characteristics during the roasting process. For example, Arabica beans can show bright acidity and complex fruity aromas when lightly roasted, but may lose some of their original delicate flavors after deep roasting. Robusta beans, on the other hand, can show rich bitterness and strong woodiness when deeply roasted, making them suitable for making strong coffee.

To improve the quality of coffee, it is important to choose the right beans and roasting method. Understanding the characteristics of different beans and the best roasting conditions can help you make a coffee with a balanced flavor that suits your personal taste. By adjusting the roasting time and temperature, coffee lovers can precisely adjust the flavor of the coffee to achieve the ideal taste.

Coffee Bean Selection Guide: Summary and Recommendations

Understanding the different types of coffee beans and their characteristics is essential for picking the right coffee. Arabica beans are favored by high-end coffee lovers for their delicate acidity and rich flavor, suitable for consumers who like complex flavors. Robusta beans are suitable for people who like strong taste and make espresso because of their strong flavor and higher caffeine content.

In addition, although Liberica beans and Excelsa beans are relatively rare in the market, their unique flavor and rarity make them a place in specialty coffee. Consumers can choose the type of coffee beans that suits them according to their personal taste preferences. For example, if you prefer fruity and floral aromas, you can choose Arabica beans; if you like a strong coffee experience, you can choose Robusta beans.

When choosing coffee beans, we should not only consider the characteristics of the beans themselves, but also the degree of roasting to determine the final coffee flavor. Understanding the characteristics of different coffee beans and their performance at different roasting stages can help consumers make the best choice based on their needs. Choosing the right beans and roasting methods will greatly improve the quality of coffee and the drinking experience.