In the vast and deep world of coffee, there is infinite richness in the different varieties of coffee beans. Each variety carries its own unique story, from the soil it grows in to its distinctive flavor characteristics. Let us introduce you, the reader, to this rich and complex world, where every cup of coffee is a sensory journey that takes you to different corners of the globe.
1. Arabica Coffee: Elegance of Floral Aroma and Gentle Acidity
Origin and History
Arabica coffee, or Coffea arabica, is a coffee variety native to Ethiopia, East Africa. One of the oldest coffee varieties known to man, Arabica is found at an altitude of about 1,200 to 1,800 meters above sea level in the Mountains region of Ethiopia. From there, it spread to various parts of the world, including Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific islands.
Key Characteristics
Arabica coffee is known for its unique characteristics, namely its alluring floral aroma and gentle acidity. Arabica plants require a proper climate with stable temperatures, sufficient humidity, and high altitude to grow well. Arabica coffee beans tend to be sweeter and have high acidity, giving the coffee cup a smooth and balanced flavor.
One of the main reasons why Arabica is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts is its gentle acidity. This acidity lends freshness to the flavor of the coffee, making it a highly preferred choice for those who appreciate the complexity of flavors in a cup of coffee. Despite the high acidity, Arabica does not have a dominant bitter flavor, creating a smooth and enjoyable coffee drinking experience.
Popularity among Coffee Lovers
Arabica is highly popular among coffee lovers due to its superior flavor qualities. Coffee enthusiasts appreciate the distinctive floral fragrance and fruity flavors that sometimes appear in Arabica coffee. In addition, Arabica’s resistance to weather changes and diseases also makes it a top choice for coffee farmers in various parts of the world.
2. Robusta Coffee: Enchanting Strength and Viscosity
Origin and History
Robusta coffee or Coffea canephora is a coffee variety that originated in the tropical regions of West Africa. Robusta is a hardy coffee variety, growing at low altitudes and requiring higher temperatures than Arabica. Although it originated in Africa, it is now widely grown in various countries, especially in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.
Key Characteristics
Robusta is famous for its striking characteristics, especially its flavor strength and high viscosity. Robusta coffee beans have more caffeine than Arabica, giving the cup of coffee a full, strong, and bitter flavor. Robusta is also famous for its thick body and thick texture, creating a bold and biting coffee drink.
Robusta’s main advantage lies in its flavor strength. The flavor of Robusta coffee tends to be more bitter and woody, with a distinctive touch of spice and chocolate. Although the acidity in Robusta is lower than Arabica, this variety is often the choice of those who like their coffee with a strong and intense flavor.
Another advantage of Robusta is the viscosity of the drink. Espresso made with Robusta has a thicker crema (foam layer), creating a creamy texture that is a favorite of many coffee lovers. This boldness of flavor and viscosity makes Robusta an ideal choice for blended coffees that want to add assertiveness to their flavor.
While Robusta may have a more robust and bitter flavor, this variety has an important place in the coffee world. Its strength of flavor and viscosity create a unique coffee drinking experience, which is loved by many people around the world.
3. Liberica Coffee: Spicy Aroma and Woody Flavor
Origin and History
Liberica coffee, or Coffea liberica, is a variety of coffee bean that originated in West Africa. Called “Liberica” because it was first discovered in Liberia, this variety has larger leaves and larger fruits than Arabica or Robusta. Although not as popular as Arabica and Robusta, Liberica is grown in several African and South American countries.
Key Characteristics
Liberica is known for its larger bean shape and is not round like Arabica or Robusta. Liberica coffee beans have unique spice aromas and woody flavors, giving coffee drinks a distinct and exotic feel.
The distinctive spice aroma of Liberica makes it stand out among other coffee varieties. This aroma often includes touches of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes hints of vanilla. Coffee enthusiasts looking for a different and interesting drinking experience often try Liberica for its enticing spice aroma.
In addition to the spice aroma, Liberica is also known for its unique woody flavor. The flavor can include shades of teak wood or even a touch of chocolate. The woody flavor gives the coffee an added dimension, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate the complexity of flavors in a cup of coffee.
Although Liberica is not as popular as Arabica or Robusta, this variety offers a different coffee experience and invites coffee connoisseurs to explore flavors and aromas that are rarely found in mainstream coffees. For those who like to seek out new sensations in the world of coffee, Liberica is a variety worth trying.
4. Excelsa Coffee: High Acidity and a Touch of Fruits
Origin and History
Excelsa coffee or Coffea liberica var. dewevrei (formerly known as Coffea liberica var. excelsa) is a variety of coffee bean that originated in West Africa. However, it is now grown in various tropical countries around the world, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Excelsa is one of the coffee varieties that grows at low altitudes, unlike Arabica which requires more altitude.
Key Characteristics
Excelsa is famous for its striking high acidity characteristics and distinctive fruity touch. It grows faster than other coffee varieties, giving larger beans with a very unique flavor and aroma.
One of the main characteristics of Excelsa is its high acidity. This acidity gives the cup of coffee a striking freshness, making it very different from other coffee varieties that usually have lower acidity. Excelsa’s acidity is often juxtaposed with a touch of fruit, creating a complex and enticing taste sensation.
Excelsa often has a fruity twist, such as shades of cherry or orange. The boldness of these fruity flavors makes Excelsa an attractive choice for coffee lovers looking for a different and fresh coffee drinking experience. These fruity touches can really stand out, creating a refreshing and pleasant dimension of flavor.
While not as popular as Arabica or Robusta, Excelsa offers a unique and astounding coffee drinking experience. Its high acidity and mesmerizing fruity touches create a fresh and dynamic cup of coffee, making it an interesting choice for those seeking flavor exploration in the world of coffee.
5. Geisha Coffee: Aromatic Elegance and Outstanding Enjoyment
Origin and History
Geisha or Gesha coffee (Coffea arabica var. geisha) is a variety of Arabica coffee beans originating from the Gesha region of Ethiopia. However, this variety became famous after it was made famous in Panama in 2004, where it is grown at a high altitude on the slopes of the Baru mountain in the Boquete region. Since then, Geisha has become one of the most exclusive coffee varieties in the world.
Key Characteristics
Geisha are famous for the elegance of complex aromas and great pleasure. Geisha coffee beans are long and slender, and often produce coffee drinks with a very unique and full flavor profile.
One of the hallmarks of Geisha is its highly complex aroma. In a Geisha coffee cup, you can find floral nuances such as jasmine, lavender, or rose, as well as touches of fruits such as orange, lemon, or strawberry. These aromas are often accompanied by touches of spice and chocolate, creating layers of deep and alluring aromas.
Geisha flavors are also outstanding in terms of enjoyment. Geisha coffee drinks tend to be light on the tongue and have a smart acidity. In addition, the mouth texture is smooth and oily, providing an indulgent coffee drinking experience. The distinctive sweetness of Geisha makes it a target for coffee connoisseurs who appreciate the complexity of flavors in their cup.
Kopi Geisha is not just a coffee drink, but an immersive sensory experience. The elegance of its complex aroma and exceptional enjoyment make it one of the most prestigious coffee varieties in the world. For those seeking a unique and unforgettable sensation in the world of coffee, Geisha is the perfect choice.
