The History and Most Well-Known Coffee Beans Around the World

A cup of coffee is the first thing we do in the morning. Because not just any bean will do, the coffee beans we chose may actually make or break the experience.

The History and Most Well-Known Coffee Beans Around the World

The most knowledgeable coffee lovers appreciate the entire coffee experience, not just the caffeine content. The greatest brew starts with the best coffee beans, whether you like the automation and convenience of drip or the craftsmanship of the French Press.

Coffee has become a part of our daily routine. The world appears to revolve around the rich, black liquid, and many people would agree that their day does not begin until they have had their first exquisite beverage. But, have you ever wondered where coffee beans originate from?

 

What is the history of coffee beans?

The tale of coffee's origins is interesting. It's incredible how one small bean harvested from tiny trees in Ethiopia has grown to become the world's second most traded commodity.

According to an Ethiopian story, coffee was discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi, who noticed his goats frolicking and full of energy after eating the red fruit of the coffee plant.

Kaldi also sampled the fruit and had the same response. A monk returned some of the fruit to his other monks after observing their peculiar conduct; they, too, spent the night up and aware. Of course, they were responding to the high caffeine content of coffee. 

The beans from that fruit were crushed and brewed soon after, yielding what we now know as coffee.

History teaches us otherwise. Coffee's history dates back to the 15th century when Somali traders first traded coffee beans from Ethiopia to Yemen. Coffee was used in Yemeni Sufi monasteries to help people concentrate during prayers. It spread quickly to Mecca and Medina.

It had spread over the Middle East, South India (Karnataka), Persia, Turkey, India, and northern Africa by the early 16th century. After then, coffee spread throughout South America, the Balkans, Italy, the rest of Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Also read: Do You Know Where and How is Coffee Grown?

 

Coffee beans around the world

Coffee beans around the world

Coffee has managed to win a well-loved status as one of the most traded commodities globally, since its discovery several centuries ago. 

This is why coffee accounts for such a large portion of many countries' economies. In reality, nations growing good quality coffees have rich volcanic soil and at higher altitudes.

However, not all coffees are equal. Coffees have a wide range of flavor and aroma characteristics, which are mostly determined by the place of origin. 

Here are four of the most well-known coffee beans around the world. Is there any of your favorite coffee below?

1. Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are produced at high altitudes in places that receive consistent rainfall and enough shade. The trees are typically easy to care for since they are tiny and easy to prune, they seldom grow taller than 6 feet, and their modest size also makes harvesting quite easier.

It may be easy to care for, but this bean is the most delicate than the others. It is vulnerable to infection and quickly impacted by its surroundings. 

If one Arabica plant dies, there's a good probability the remnant of the crop will perish as well.

How do they taste?

Better quality Arabica coffee beans have a good level of acidity and multi-layered complexity of tastes and fragrances. Coffee using these beans is best tasted on the front palate (where salinity and sweetness are most apparent).

When served cold or with creamer, the quality of the Arabica bean degrades. It's best served hot, preferably using a pour-over or drip coffee method.

2. Robusta

Robusta is a disease-resistant variety that is exceptionally tolerant of its surroundings. Robusta coffee may grow at a variety of temperatures, although it thrives in hot climates with erratic rainfall. 

The caffeine in Robusta is nearly twice compared to Arabica. In fact, caffeine is what makes this plant so robust! Just like its name right? Caffeine is the plant's natural anti-disease defense.

Robusta coffee bean is best tasted on the rear palate (where bitter tastes are most noticeable), as it has a stronger body. 

How do they taste?

Robusta beans of higher grade have a smooth texture, low acidity, and typically contain traces of chocolate in their flavor profile. 

If your Robusta has a flat smell or rubbery flavor, it may have been because of  unfavorable climates, producing a sub-standard product

Espresso is the greatest way to enjoy the Robusta bean. They produce a thicker crema than Arabica, and its dark, earthy flavor pairs well with sweet steamed milk in beverages like lattes and cappuccinos, where the nuances of an Arabica bean would be lost.

3. Liberica

Liberica trees are substantially taller than Robusta or Arabica trees, and their coffee bean is bigger and more irregularly shaped. 

The leaves and cherries of Liberica are substantially bigger than arabica and robusta plants. Its leaves may reach a width of 30 cm, and the species' berries can be nearly twice as large as the other two when fully mature.

Liberica beans are bigger and asymmetrical than other coffee beans, and they're the only ones in the world with such an uneven form. 

How do they taste?

Liberica coffee is reported to have a distinct scent with flowery and fruity undertones, as well as a full body and smokey flavor. 

The scent is diverse, with fruity notes like strawberry or mango, floral notes like rose, and even lactic undertones like cream or mascarpone. However, the flavor is considerably stronger than robusta, with smoky and woody notes

To get the most taste out of Liberica coffee, simply brew it on its own. It's perfect for espressos because of its distinctive, robust flavor. 

4. Excelsa

Excelsa, like Liberica coffees, is predominantly grown in Southeast Asia and accounts for just a small percentage of global coffee output. 

The mucilage of the Excelsa bean is denser than that of the arabica bean, and it contains significantly fewer soluble particles. 

Furthermore, because of their lesser solubility, roasting Excelsa beans need to be at higher temperatures or for longer periods of time to get optimal flavor profiles.

How do they taste?

Excelsa is described as having a tart and fruity body, with tastes similar to a mild roast, as well as dark roasted overtones. 

Medium-light roasted beans can generate berry-like and fruity notes, as well as woody and popcorn-like flavors, according to roasters who deal with Excelsa. The bean develops a richer body as the roast progresses, with flavors of chocolate and cream.

This enigma draws coffee lovers from all around the world to try to find the variety.

 Also read: 5 Regions That Produces The Best Indonesian Coffee Beans

 

The Coffee Beans Industry

Coffee beans are the second most traded commodity in the world after oil. 

Coffee is presently cultivated in more than 50 nations across the tropical belt, with origins in Yemen and Ethiopia. On a worldwide scale, 25 million people directly depend on the crop, although it is believed that the agricultural sector employs over 100 million people. 

Furthermore, smallholders who own less than 10 hectares own 70% of the farms. Coffee is mostly drunk in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The European Union is the largest sector, accounting for 42 percent of global consumption, followed by the United States (24%), and Japan (9%). These three areas accounted for almost 80% of imports in the early 1990s.

There are four primary species of coffee beans in the world of beans. Arabica and Robusta are the most popular and economically valuable. The other two are Liberica and Excelsa.

Different coffee beans have different tastes. For example, Arabica beans are the ideal way to go if you enjoy naturally sweeter coffees with a light body and sparkling acidity. Fruit, flowers, nuts, and chocolate are among the tastes that distinguish them. 

Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa, on the other hand, are all fantastic selections if you want more bittersweet and earthier tasting coffees with a hefty body. A beautiful balance may be achieved by combining any of these beans with Arabica beans.

 

Creating a Lifestyle with Coffee

Coffee has been a significant element of social standards in recent years. Taking a "coffee break" during the day might help you stay energized throughout the day. It serves as a focal point for entertaining at home. It fosters a sense of community. 

There's nothing like catching up with friends over a good mug of coffee to bring back memories. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee in the coffee shop frequently concludes a day of relaxing.

Coffee lovers enjoy socializing over their preferred beverages, which have extended beyond coffee brew to espresso.

Coffee is inherently a lifestyle, and coffee shops contribute to the coffee culture experience.

We catch up with pals or have date evenings at the neighborhood coffee shop. Meetings with coworkers or clients are scheduled. We might even meet someone new and strike up a chat with them. It's a terrific location to meet new people, chat, and relax with a cup of coffee and croissants.

Coffee used in moderation has been related to a number of health advantages, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and some malignancies. Anti-inflammatories and antioxidants contained in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee are believed to be the cause of this link.

study revealed that consuming four cups of coffee daily—without cream or sugar—was linked to a 4% reduction in body fat.

 

The Best Coffee Beans Blend

The Best Coffee Beans Blend

With so many options out there, Kisaku Yatagarasu Blend is one of the best coffee bean blends you must try. One bag contains 50% Aceh Gayo and 50% Flores Bajawa. 

It has flavor notes of brown sugar and dark cocoa.

Yatagarasu has a medium body suitable for various types of brew methods.

If you have your own grinder, we can sell it as whole beans. But, we can grind it based on your preferences:

  • Fine - Suitable for Turkish or espresso
  • Medium - Suitable for Drip V60 or Kalita
  • Coarse - Suitable for french press or tubruk style coffee

You can shop our coffee beans here