Australia is well known for its thriving coffee culture, with coffee shops, roasters, and connoisseurs found in every corner of the country.
As a dedicated Australian coffee experts, we are excited to present to you this Coffee Expert guide to understanding the different types of coffee beans available and their countries of origin.
Let’s embark on a global journey to discover the world of coffee beans and learn how they contribute to the unique flavours and aromas in your daily coffee!
Arabica Coffee Beans
Arabica is the most popular and widely consumed coffee bean globally, accounting for around 60% of global coffee production. These beans typically offer a sweeter, softer taste with mild acidity and bright fruity notes.
Colombia
Colombian Arabica beans are known for their balanced flavour profile, medium body, and bright acidity. They often exhibit nutty and fruity notes, with a hint of cocoa.
Ethiopia
As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia produces highly sought-after Arabica beans. Ethiopian beans offer a wide range of flavours, from fruity and floral to earthy and herbal, with a medium to full body and high acidity.
Brazil
Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, with Arabica beans making up the majority of its production. Brazilian beans are known for their low acidity, medium body, and chocolatey, nutty flavours.
Guatemala
Guatemalan Arabica beans are renowned for their rich, full body, medium to high acidity, and complex flavours. Expect notes of chocolate, fruit, and spices.
Robusta Coffee Beans
Robusta beans are the second most popular coffee beans, known for their strong, bitter taste, high caffeine content, and low acidity. These beans are commonly used in espresso blends and instant coffee.
Vietnam
Vietnam is the largest producer of Robusta beans. Vietnamese Robusta beans have a strong, bold flavour, low acidity, and high caffeine content.
Uganda
Ugandan Robusta beans exhibit a full body, low acidity, and earthy, chocolatey flavours.
Indonesia
Indonesian Robusta beans are known for their full body, low acidity, and earthy, woody flavours, with hints of dark chocolate.
Liberica Coffee Beans
Liberica beans are less common but offer a unique flavour profile. They have a distinct, fruity aroma, full body, and low acidity.
Philippines
The Philippines is the primary producer of Liberica beans. These beans have a strong, bold flavour with fruity, floral, and woody notes.
Excelsa Coffee Beans
Excelsa beans, a sub-species of Liberica, are grown primarily in Southeast Asia. They have a tart, fruity taste, medium body, and medium acidity.
Southeast Asia
Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam produce Excelsa beans. These beans offer complex flavours, with fruity, floral, and tart notes.
Coffee Bean FAQs
Arabica beans are known for their sweeter, milder taste, while Robusta beans have a stronger, more bitter flavour. Arabica beans typically have a higher acidity and lower caffeine content than Robusta beans.
Absolutely! Blending different coffee beans from various origins allows you to create a unique flavour profile that suits your taste preferences. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.
To maintain freshness and flavour, store coffee beans in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep them at room temperature, and avoid storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.
The roast level can significantly impact the flavour of coffee beans. Light roasts preserve the beans’ original flavours and tend to have higher acidity and brighter notes. Medium roasts offer a balanced flavour profile with more body, while dark roasts produce a bolder, more robust flavour with lower acidity and pronounced bitterness.
Single-origin coffee is made from beans sourced from a single geographic region, allowing the unique characteristics of that region to shine through in the flavour profile. Single-origin coffee often highlights the specific growing conditions, local processing methods, and distinctive flavour notes of a particular region.
With a world of coffee beans at our fingertips, it’s no wonder Australia’s coffee culture continues to flourish.
As you explore the diverse range of beans and their origins, don’t be afraid to experiment with different blends and brewing methods to find your perfect cup.
Whether you prefer the sweet, fruity notes of Arabica or the bold, robust flavours of Robusta, there’s a coffee bean out there for every Australian coffee lover!
