Sip the Tropics: Best Coconut Milk Creamers for Your Brew
January 14, 2025
Discover the best coconut milk creamer for coffee! Enhance your brew with vegan, non-dairy creamers and enjoy tropical flavors.
When we hear the word coffee, we often think of little sachets of instant coffee in the company pantry or the meticulously crafted iced coffee from our favorite barista. Coffee enthusiasts know, however, that the true deciding factor behind the flavor of your cup of coffee lies in the type of coffee bean used. Understanding the main coffee bean types offers a deeper appreciation for the world of coffee blends.
Now that you have a basic understanding of coffee beans, let’s dive into the different types of coffee beans that fuel our mornings and enhance our productivity.
The world’s coffee production relies heavily on two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Each bean type contributes unique flavors, growing conditions, and properties to the coffee beans in the world:
Both types are cultivated globally, with regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America playing a significant role in coffee production.
The Arabica coffee bean, originating from Ethiopia, is one of the most popular types of coffee beans. It is believed to be a hybrid of robusta and nandi coffee plants, making it a cornerstone of brewing coffee today.
Arabica plants thrive in tropical climates near the equator, such as Ethiopia, Brazil, and Indonesia. These coffee beans are grown mostly at high altitudes, under the shade of larger trees.
Arabica plants prefer cool, shaded environments with acidic soil and a balanced pH. Unfortunately, rising temperatures from global warming and deforestation significantly impact these sensitive plants.
Arabica coffee is often associated with light roast coffee, producing a sweeter flavor with lower caffeine content. It’s a favorite among coffee lovers who enjoy a refined cup of coffee.
Arabica plants originally grew in or around Ethiopia, mostly in high elevations. Arabica coffee best grows in tropical climates, which has led to most of Arabica plants being grown in places like Ethiopia, Brazil, Indonesia, etc.
With its plans of world domination in full swing, it’s usually grown in areas that more science-y people would call the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn; for us lay people, those are basically places near-ish to the equator.
Arabica coffee plants have more particular needs to properly grow. They grow best in high altitudes, but without harsh or direct sunlight as they’re used to growing under the shade of larger plants and trees. In terms of soil, cold and low-ph soil will negatively affect the growth of Arabica plants.
In line with not really doing well in high temperatures, global warming has a huge impact on coffee Arabica plants. The rise in temperature not only affects the plants directly, but also affects the pests that may harm them and the trees that Arabica plants count on for shade.
Speaking of pests, the coffee cherry borer is recognized as one of the worst things that can happen to a coffee plantation. It’s a small beetle that feeds on coffee cherries, damaging the beans and reducing the overall yield of the plant. In addition to directly feeding on the coffee beans, coffee cherry borers are also vectors for dangerous plant diseases such as black leaf disease and coffee leaf rust.
As with all plants, deforestation is a huge problem. Not only does this affect the soil that’s shared by all the plants, but in the case of sensitive arabica coffee plants, having their big tree friends turned into a cabinet means that they’re more exposed to the sun, and like most people who are used to the cold, the sun is not a welcome guest in their personal space.
The Robusta coffee bean (Coffea robusta) lives up to its name as a hardier alternative to Arabica. These beans thrive in extreme climates and are less vulnerable to diseases, making them indispensable to world’s coffee supply.
Robusta plants are native to Africa and are now widely grown in humid regions like Southeast Asia and Brazil. They flourish at lower altitudes and tolerate less-than-ideal environments, making them a favorite for southeast Asian coffee producers.
Robusta plants require humidity, lots of water, and a pH level of 5 to 7 for optimal growth. They produce robust flavors often used in medium roast coffee and dark roast coffee blends.
Robusta coffee boasts a stronger, full-bodied flavor, higher caffeine content, and is often the go-to for those who enjoy a bold cup of coffee. It’s also used in common types of coffee like espresso blends.
Robusta-based coffees contain more caffeine than their Arabica counterparts. They’re less sweet and more bitter, possessing what some would call a “full-bodied” or “strong” flavor profile.
The four main types of coffee beans are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa beans. Each offers unique flavors and characteristics that cater to different coffee drinkers.
Drip coffee is a popular type of coffee drink made by pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter, allowing the brewed coffee to drip into a carafe or cup. It’s a favorite among many coffee drinkers for its simplicity and clean taste.
Excelsa coffee beans, a variety of Liberica coffee, are known for their tart and fruity flavor. These beans are native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, where they are prized for their contribution to coffee blends.
Liberica coffee beans are larger and more irregular in shape compared to Arabica or Robusta beans. Known for their distinct, smoky, and floral flavors, Liberica beans are native to regions like the Philippines and are often used in specialty coffee shops.
There are three types of coffee roasts: light, medium, and dark. The way beans are roasted affects their flavor, aroma, and caffeine content. For instance, light roasts highlight the bean’s natural flavors, while dark roasts offer bold and smoky profiles.
Popular coffee drinks include black coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. For those who enjoy cold beverages, iced lattes and cold brews are great options. Each type of coffee drink appeals to a different preference, from strong to sweet.
Yes, there are many different types of coffee beans, including regional varieties and blends. Arabica and Robusta are the most popular globally, but Liberica beans and Excelsa beans are gaining attention for their unique characteristics.
Arabica beans are considered the favorite coffee choice for many due to their mild, sweet flavors and low acidity. These beans are native to high-altitude regions, making them more challenging to grow but highly prized by coffee enthusiasts.
Black coffee is brewed coffee served without milk or sugar, showcasing the pure flavor of the roasted beans. It’s a go-to choice for those who appreciate the bold, unadulterated taste of coffee.
To learn more about coffee beans, explore their origins, roasting techniques, and brewing methods. Joining a coffee subscription service is an excellent way to try different types of beans and discover your new favorite blend.
Morning coffee is a ritual for many coffee drinkers, offering a burst of energy and comfort to start the day. Whether it’s a simple drip coffee or a bold espresso, the aroma and taste set the tone for productivity.
When beans are roasted, their natural oils and flavors are released, creating the distinct profiles that coffee lovers enjoy. The roasting process also determines whether the coffee will have different flavors like nutty, chocolatey, or fruity notes.
A coffee subscription delivers freshly roasted beans to your door regularly, allowing you to sample many coffee varieties. It’s a convenient way to explore new flavors and find your ideal kind of coffee bean.
Coffee beans from the Philippines, particularly Liberica coffee beans, are known for their bold, fruity flavors and rarity. These beans are often used in local specialty drinks and are a point of pride for southeast Asian coffee producers.
This FAQ serves as a guide for coffee enthusiasts eager to explore the world of beans, roasts, and brewing methods. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just beginning your journey, there’s always more to discover about your favorite coffee.
No matter your preferences, you can thank the people who work tirelessly to cultivate your Arabica and Robusta beans. Without these amazing plants (and the goats and birds who gave them a taste), who knows how human productivity would have gone. If you’re looking for some top-class coffee beans of your own without the hassle of growing and maintaining a coffee plant, take a look at our fine selection here at Equipoise Coffee.
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