The Definitive Guide to Types of Coffee Beans

We know choosing the perfect coffee for you can be tricky, especially with so many different types, blends, and intensities to choose from. So, let’s take it right back to basics. 

The best place to start is by understanding the main types of coffee beans commonly used to create your perfect cup. Once we know this, we can start to explore blends, different roasting styles, and more. You’ll be a coffee expert in no time! 

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the different types of coffee you’re likely to come across, as well as help you narrow down the right one for you. 

Arabica 

The Arabica bean is the most commonly used type of bean, accounting for about 60% of coffee production around the world. 

Originating from Ethiopia, the beans are grown high above sea level, typically in the rainforests of Brazil. As such, Arabica beans are usually exported from Brazil, ending up in your coffee cup in the morning. 

But how does it taste? Well, you can expect flavours like: 

• Fruit, berries

• Nuts

• Chocolate

• Slight acidity 

Liberica 

From the most common to one of the rarest, Liberica beans only make up 1.5% of the global coffee bean production. 

Liberica beans are typically larger in size than Arabica. However, Liberica beans have less caffeine concentration, with 1.23g of caffeine per 100g of beans, making them perfect for a lower caffeine brew. 

When it comes to taste, Liberica beans are quite distinctive. You’ll get notes of:

• Smoky, woody 

• Tangy

• Dark chocolate

• Hints of tropical fruits

Excelsa

Previously thought to be its own type of coffee, Excelsa coffee beans are now understood to be a variation of the Liberica bean. 

Usually grown in Southeast Asia, around the Philippines and Vietnam, or in Africa, Excelsa beans are complex and unique. Plus, Excelsa beans are particularly versatile, able to thrive and grow in warmer climates where other types of beans may struggle.

Due to their versatility, you can expect an interesting flavour palette from Excelsa beans:

• Fruity, tart 

• Spiced

• Plum

• Oak

• Earthy notes

Robusta 

The second most common type of bean is the Robusta coffee bean, accounting for nearly half of the world’s coffee production. 

Robusta beans offer a high caffeine content, perfect if you’re looking for a morning energy boost. They’re commonly grown in central and western sub-Saharan Africa, but the largest producers are Indonesia, Uganda, Vietnam, and Brazil. 

As the name suggests, Robusta beans have a very robust flavour, with notes of:

• Nuts

• Wood

• Bitter

• Creamy

• Bold

What About Types of Coffee Blends?

Now that you know the different types of coffee beans, it’s time to explore the blends. But what is a blend?

Well, a blend is exactly as it sounds - it’s a blend of two or more different types of coffee beans. The benefit of doing this is that you get an original, unique flavour from your coffee. 

Of course, you can mix any type of coffee to create a blend, but the most common is the Arabica-Robusta blend. When you combine the smooth, creamy flavour of the Arabica bean with the more bold, stand-out taste of the Robusta, you get a truly special cup of coffee. 

What Coffee Beans Should I Get?

Choosing the right coffee bean really depends on your own personal preference. Looking at the flavour profile and caffeine content can help you narrow it down. 

Check out our handy table below to see which type of coffee bean is best for you. 

Don’t forget, you can explore blends of coffee beans too! If one type doesn’t sound quite right for what you like, then give another mix a go. 

What Type of Coffee Bean is Best for Decaf?

Not everyone likes caffeinated coffee (though we think it’s great). However, not only is decaf just as tasty as the regular stuff, but it also has plenty of health benefits. 

You can get any type of coffee bean decaffeinated, but the best type is Arabica, as these beans retain flavour the best as they go through the decaffeination process. Typically, medium roasts offer a better flavour for decaf coffee. 

Switching to decaf is an excellent way of keeping your caffeine intake low while still being able to enjoy a good cup of coffee. 

Our High Quality Beans Bring the Cafe Feeling to Your Home

Here at Crosby Coffee, we believe that good coffee should be accessible to everyone. So much so, we took matters into our hands and opened our very own roastery. 

We hand-roast all of our beans right here in Liverpool. You can then pick them up from our online store. Alternatively, why not take a visit to one of our coffee shops? Here, you can try our coffee beans in a fresh coffee made by our expert baristas. 

Looking to learn more about coffee? Discover whether organic coffee is better for you or if decaf coffee is safe for pregnant women over on our blog.