Coffee Bean Types: What Are Their Characteristics?

If you’re a coffee lover at heart, you probably know that the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee can instantly brighten your day. However, if you haven’t found the coffee flavor that perfectly tickles your taste buds, it’s time to explore different coffee bean varieties and roasting methods.

For those curious about the diverse world of coffee bean varieties and the flavors they offer, this article has the answers.

Popular Types of Coffee Bean

Currently, there are two coffee bean varieties that have gained worldwide popularity: Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are known for their smooth flavor profile and lower caffeine content, which typically ranges from 1.1% to 1.7%. They exude fragrant notes reminiscent of chocolate, flowers, and fruits, with a mild bitterness that may have a slight hint of acidity. Arabica is the most popular coffee bean variety, accounting for approximately 80% of the world’s coffee production. It thrives in high-altitude regions with cooler climates.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans are renowned for their bold and robust flavor, as the name suggests. These beans have a stronger, slightly bitter taste compared to Arabica, with caffeine levels ranging from about 1.7% to 2.7%. Robusta coffee is often grown in lower-altitude areas with warmer climates, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile.

Unique Types of Coffee Bean

Apart from Arabica and Robusta, there are two more coffee bean varieties that may not be as well-known but offer distinct characteristics.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans are relatively rare, accounting for only about 1% of total coffee production. They share a flavor profile similar to Robusta but with a more pronounced aroma.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are the least cultivated in the world, representing only 0.1% of total coffee production. They share some similarities with Arabica but tend to have a more pronounced bitterness, along with fruity and sharp notes.

Coffee Roasting Levels and Their Impact on Flavor

The taste of coffee greatly depends on the roasting level. Let’s explore how coffee beans are roasted at different levels and the flavors they impart.

Light Roast Arabica Coffee

Lightly roasted Arabica coffee beans offer fruity and floral aromas, such as strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and apples, combined with white flowers. The taste is slightly acidic, with a subtle sweetness, making it a refreshing choice with a light body.

Medium Roast Arabica Coffee

Medium roast Arabica coffee beans carry the aroma of chocolate and nuts, with a sweeter taste and a mild acidity. This roast level strikes a balance between the bright flavors of light roast and the deeper, and stronger flavors of dark roast.

Dark Roast Arabica Coffee

Dark roast Arabica coffee beans offer a rich caramel and nutty aroma, with a bolder and slightly bitter taste. This roast level results in a heavier body and a pronounced flavor.

Light Roast Robusta Coffee

Lightly roasted Robusta coffee beans have an unmistakable scent of nuts and flowers, including peanuts and white flowers. The taste is tangy, fresh, and light-bodied.

Medium Roast Robusta Coffee

Medium roast Robusta coffee beans retain the aroma of chocolate and nuts, similar to medium roast Arabica. The taste is sweeter, with a slight acidity and a medium body, striking a balance between bitterness and sweetness.

Dark Roast Robusta Coffee

Dark roast Robusta coffee beans have a distinct caramel and nut aroma, with a pronounced bitter taste and a robust body. The aroma is more intense compared to dark roast Arabica.

Easy-to-Enjoy Coffee Menu for Beginners

For those new to the world of coffee, here are some beginner-friendly coffee menu options:

Coffee with a Hint of Orange:

A refreshing iced coffee with a sweet and tangy flavor, complemented by the citrusy aroma of orange. This beverage makes coffee more approachable, as it reduces the bitterness while maintaining a pleasant coffee taste.

Mocha:

Mocha is a delightful combination of coffee, milk, and chocolate. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, it offers a sweet and chocolatey experience that eases you into the world of coffee.

Latte:

Latte is a coffee drink with a generous amount of steamed milk. It’s suitable for those who are new to coffee but still want a taste of its bitterness, balanced by the creamy milk.

Cappuccino:

Cappuccino is a coffee beverage that consists of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of frothed milk. It offers a rich coffee flavor with a creamy texture, making it a great choice for coffee beginners.

Recommended Coffee Shops in the Chidlom Area

Mama Cafe

Mama Cafe is a cozy coffee shop known for its simplicity, affordable coffee, and delightful flavors. The coffee here is reasonably priced and extremely satisfying. Additionally, the café offers a variety of lifestyle products for purchase.

Other Café

Other Café is designed to provide a welcoming coffeehouse experience for everyone. The warm ambiance and meticulous coffee preparation ensure a delightful visit. Their diverse menu includes well-crafted coffee beverages and delicious pastries.

Starbucks Coffee

The globally recognized and popular coffee chain offers high-quality coffee beans and a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks, along with special seasonal offerings. At Starbucks Chidlom, you’ll find various types of coffee beans and menus to choose from.

Cafe Amazon

Cafe Amazon is another famous coffee shop chain that provides a wide range of coffee, tea, cocoa, and more. The flavors cater to the Thai palate, and their offerings are budget-friendly.

Find the Perfect Cup of Coffee at The Mercury Ville

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect cup of coffee to suit your taste and brighten your day, consider visiting these four coffee shops at The Mercury Ville @ Chidlom. They are conveniently located in the heart of the city, easily accessible via the Chidlom BTS station. You can access the mall through exit 3 or take advantage of our 3-hour free parking facilities if you’re driving.