Coffee. Just the mention of this word can recall a rich aroma and evoke memories of its distinct fragrance. Such is the power of coffee. In the “Brewing Stories” series, my goal is to compile an extensive list of available coffee names found across the globe.
In the lands around the equator, nestled between the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, lies what we call ‘the bean belt.’ This region, a haven for coffee cultivation, hosts the coffee capitals of the world. Countries like Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia flourish here, providing the perfect conditions for coffee plants to thrive.
Factors like climate, elevation, and even soil composition play a role in shaping the flavor profile of coffee beans.
So I made a detailed list of coffee bean types and their origins by searching the books and the Internet.
1. Arabica:
Arabica, is the darling of coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Grown in the lofty altitudes of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Arabica is celebrated for its smooth, delicate flavor and intricate acidity. It stands as the most popular coffee type, capturing hearts with its taste.
2. Robusta:
In contrast, Robusta asserts itself with a more bitter and earthy profile, coupled with a higher caffeine content. Thriving in lower altitudes and resistant to disease, Robusta beans carve their niche, offering a robust coffee experience.
3. Liberica:
Liberica, a rare and prized coffee, unveils a smoky, woody flavor with delightful hints of fruit and flowers. Grown in Southeast Asia, Liberica stands as a testament to the diverse and unique flavors coffee can embody.
4. Excelsa:
Similar to Liberica, Excelsa embraces a strong, smoky flavor complemented by notes of chocolate and pepper. This rare gem hails from Southeast Asia, contributing its distinctive essence to the world of coffee.
5. Typica:
Typica, a variety of Arabica, is revered for its age-old presence and respected status. With a complex flavor and acidity, Typica coffee beans flourish in the coffee landscapes of Central America, Asia, and the Caribbean.
6. Bourbon:
Descended from Typica, Bourbon coffee boasts a sweet, chocolatey flavor, captivating coffee lovers in Africa, South America, and Asia.
7. Caturra:
Caturra, a descendant of Bourbon, stands out for its high yield and disease resistance. With roots in Central America, South America, and Asia, Caturra contributes to the world of coffee with its impressive qualities.
8. Catuai:
A cross between Caturra and Mundo Novo, Catuai impresses with its early maturity and high yield. Thriving in Central America, South America, and Asia, Catuai adds efficiency to its list of virtues.
9. Mundo Novo:
Mundo Novo, a robust variety resistant to rust disease, descends from Typica and Bourbon. Flourishing in Central America, South America, and Asia, Mundo Novo plays a crucial role in the battle against coffee diseases.
10. Java:
Java, a variety of Robusta, is celebrated for its strong, earthy flavor. Grown in Indonesia, Java coffee offers a distinct and robust coffee experience.
11. Kona:
Kona, a variety of Arabica grown in Hawaii, is renowned for its smooth and complex flavor, reflecting the unique terroir of the Hawaiian islands.
12. Geisha:
Geisha, a rare and expensive Arabica variety, delights with its floral, jasmine-like flavor. Cultivated in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Peru, Geisha stands as a pinnacle of coffee elegance.
13. Blue Mountain:
Blue Mountain, an Arabica variety grown in Jamaica, boasts a smooth, delicate flavor and complex acidity, making it a coveted choice among coffee connoisseurs.
14. Yirgacheffe:
Yirgacheffe, a distinguished variety of Arabica coffee hailing from the landscapes of Ethiopia, stands out for its bright and citrusy flavor profile. As the sun bathes the Yirgacheffe region, the coffee beans thrive, capturing the essence of the Ethiopian terroir. Each sip unfolds vibrant, fruity notes, making Yirgacheffe a delightful choice for those who appreciate a burst of freshness in their cup.
15. Sumatra:
In the lush, volcanic soils of Indonesia’s Sumatra, a unique variety of Arabica coffee flourishes, offering a sensory experience like no other. Sumatra coffee, celebrated for its earthy and smoky flavor, embodies the rich tapestry of the region. The beans, nurtured in the fertile lands, carry the essence of Sumatra’s terroir, delivering a bold and distinctive coffee with every sip.
16. Ethiopian Harrar:
Venturing back to Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Harrar variety of Arabica coffee takes center stage. Known for its complex flavor profile, this coffee offers a sensory journey with hints of chocolate, spice, and fruit. The Ethiopian Harrar beans, cultivated in the heart of Ethiopia, capture the essence of the region’s diverse landscapes, creating a coffee experience that is as rich as it is nuanced.
17. Kenyan AA:
Nestled in the high altitudes of Kenya, the Kenyan AA Arabica coffee variety emerges as a true gem in the coffee world. Recognized for its bright, acidic flavor, accompanied by delightful hints of berries and flowers, Kenyan AA coffee is a testament to the cultivation practices employed in the Kenyan highlands. Each cup tells a story of the region’s unique climate and the dedication of its coffee farmers.
18. Colombian Supremo:
Journeying through the landscapes of Colombia, we encounter the Colombian Supremo Arabica coffee variety. Celebrated for its smooth and balanced flavor profile, with subtle hints of chocolate and nuts, Colombian Supremo captures the essence of Colombia’s diverse regions. Grown in the mountainous terrain, these coffee beans reflect the dedication of Colombian farmers and the unique characteristics of their land.
19. Kopi Luwak:
Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee, begins its journey with a civet, a small cat-type animal found in the Indonesian archipelago. The civet plays a crucial role in the production of Kopi Luwak by selectively choosing the ripest coffee cherries to consume. Once ingested, the cherries undergo a natural fermentation process within the civet’s digestive system.
