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Different Types of Coffee Beans

Did you know that over the years, there have been numerous bans on coffee in several countries like Italy, Sweden, Prussia, Mecca, and Turkey? These bans were either politically or socially motivated and had nothing to do with any perceived fears about coffee safety. Today, coffee plays an essential role in the economies of many countries and is an integral part of traditions and cultures around the world. Also, there are different types of coffee beans based on the country of origin, let's take a closer look.

All coffee can trace its heritage back hundreds of years to the ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau. Indeed, it is said that coffee beans were widely used by nomadic tribes in ancient Yemen and by Sufi monasteries, who used them as a concentration aid during prayer. Eventually, coffee began to journey across the globe, coming to Canada in the 18th century, eventually making different types of coffee bean taste profiles in the process.

The way coffee is prepared and served differs from country to country, and most people have a favourite brewing method or at least one they use the most often, whether out of habit or preference. Coffees from different regions all have their unique taste, and this is based on many factors.

Read on to find out more about how where coffee is grown impacts its flavour. 

Coffee Origins, Taste, and Characteristics

Much like wine from different countries where each has its own characteristics and flavour notes, coffee beans from different regions all have slightly different flavour profiles. This is dictated by conditions such as altitude, climate, soil, and processing traditions, among other factors. Some regions are known for producing more full-bodied coffee; others are more acidic; some are sweeter; others are fruitier; and so on. Therefore, it's important to know which origins flavour profile you prefer because there are so many different types of coffee beans available.

Below are some of the generally accepted flavour profiles associated with different coffee-growing regions:

Africa—which accounts for 12% of global coffee production—has a heavy, fruity, sharp flavour braced with citrus-like acidity.

Asia is an up-and-coming growing region for coffee beans. Produces full and rich coffee with dark chocolate, earth, and herb flavours. Often smoky with mild acidity.

Central America produces about 15% of the world's arabica beans; the flavour is spicy, complex, fruity, and full-bodied.

Hawaii's volcanic soil and plentiful rain produce bright, crisp, clean, and full-bodied coffees. They are smooth with a slightly syrupy body and sometimes have brighter floral and fruit notes.

South America is renowned for its aromatic and stunningly smooth and textured coffee flavours. Depending on the species, they are generally sweeter, with low acidity and minimal bitterness. Coffee beans from South America also often have chocolate notes.

Selecting a Quality Coffee Bean That Pleases Your Taste Buds

There are many things to consider when selecting a new coffee type.

Consider the brewing process you want to use, as each coffee bean, whether Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, or Excelsa, works best with a specific brewing method.

Read up on coffee flavour profiles by variety, roast level, grind, brewing method, and caffeine content to select beans that best match your taste preferences.

Check the roast date; ideally, it should be between 4 days and a month after roasting for optimal flavour.

Last but certainly not least, opt only for 100% certified organic, fair-trade coffee beans to support farmers around the world.

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