defining the different types of coffee – a look at what makes them unique

If you cannot dream of starting your morning without a hot, steaming cup of coffee, you are not alone. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world, and it is available in many different varieties. Coffee lovers almost always have their favorite blends, but you can expand your horizons by trying new coffee types. Read on to discover some of the different types of coffee. You just might find a new favorite!

Coffee Beans

Most of the difference in coffee flavors comes from the type of beans that are used to brew the coffee. The two most consumed types of coffee beans are Robusta and Arabica, and Arabica wins the popularity contest by far.

Arabica coffee beans have the following characteristics:

• Ability to grow well in a variety of climates and weather conditions
• Smooth flavor
• Consistent flavor

Robusta beans have increased in popularity over the last decade, but they are consumed much less frequently than Arabica beans. Robusta beans are used to make some delicious coffees, including Hawaiian Kona coffee.

These beans are known for the following characteristics:

• Tend to have a bitter, acidic taste
• Require specific growing conditions
• Require certain soil types for proper growth

Growing Conditions

Where coffee beans are grown has more of an effect on the coffee’s taste than the type of beans that are used. Coffee beans can thrive in rocky soil that is common on islands or the moist soil found in rain forests. The amount of sunlight, water and soil nutrients that the beans receive will have a huge effect on their flavor. There are many tasty coffees from around the world. If you are interested in experimenting with new flavors, choose coffee beans that come from different regions.

For example, coffee beans from Ethiopia have a mildly floral, smooth taste. Kenyan coffee is grown not too far from Ethiopia in a different type of soil. Because of this, Kenyan coffee is strong, full of flavor and pungent. Brazilian coffee is also known for its strength and robust flavor.

Methods of Roasting

Raw coffee beans cannot make the delicious beverages that you love. The beans need to be roasted to bring out their trademark smell and taste, and different roasting methods result in various coffee flavors and textures. The flavor of the beans varies based on how close they are to the heat source when they are roasted, the amount of heat that is used and how long the beans are exposed to the heat.

Roasting coffee beans in trays over a heat source is the most common roasting method, but individuals and businesses can also purchase specialized roasting ovens and other devices.

Preparation Methods

Many coffee lovers enjoy using an inexpensive French press to make coffee. Others prefer drip coffee machines or espresso machines.

After you find coffee beans that you love, you can vary the taste of your drinks by preparing them in different manners. The possibilities are endless!