Simple Guide to Coffee Beans

Food Articles | March 15, 2009

A simple guide to the main types of coffee beans and how each is used to produce a certain flavor of brew.

Coffee beans are grown on trees in over seventy countries in the world, including, Brazil, US and Indonesia. Coffee trees are very sensitive to weather and require strict growing conditions and regardless of the fact that they are grown in so many countries, in reality the actual output of beans is rather small.

The coffee plant, which grows red/purple berry fruits and the seed of those fruits are coffee beans. A coffee bean is the seed of the coffee plant. They contain about 08 - 2.5% caffeine, which is what makes coffee the most popular beverage across the world, with an astounding 90% of North Americans drinking it. It is also the world's second largest commodity, second only to oil. This makes it one of the biggest cash crops across the world, bringing a large amount of money for the countries that produce it.

The choice of coffee beans is really a personal one. Different beans yield very different flavors, aromas and bodies of coffee. The taste is usually a graduated one for many start with a basic cup of brew and their taste grows for a more sophisticated, stronger and flavorful coffee. The popularity of Starbucks is no accident as they produce a truly gourmet and rich tasting cup of joe.

Usually it is best to try a variety of beans and blends to determine your personal taste and preference.

3 Main Types of Coffee Beans

While there are hundreds of different coffee beans available depending on the region and grower, the following 3 are the basic and most widely used.

Kona

The Kona coffee beans are grown in Hawaii and are most known for producing a very rich and flavorful aroma of coffee. The Kona coffee bean produces a hardy and full bodied rich cup of coffee and is never used in blends of any kind because it is so good on its own. Kona beans are very expensive and so are not as popular as some of the less costly varieties. But, it is not easy to give up a cup of this brew once you've tried it.

Arabica

These coffee beans are very popular and especially in America where it accounts for many breakfast and domestic blends. Often blended with Robusta it adds a good body and flavor. Arabica is grown in several regions of the world with Indonesia producing the richest in flavor.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans are more resilient than the others to weather and it is easier to grow and therefore less expensive. Often used in blends, it adds a nice kick of flavor and is known for bringing out the best in other types of coffee beans. Robusta is also grown in different regions of the world each producing beans with their on unique flavor.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Learn more about coffee and shop cheap coffee makers, such as Keurig Coffee Maker, Espresso and French Press of all brands and models at Best Coffee Makers and read helpful guides like, Coffee Roasts 101 and Coffee Grinds and how they impact flavor of coffee beans and the brew in the cup.