Best Coffees: The Diversity of Coffee Varieties

The world of coffee is incredibly diverse and exciting. From traditional varieties to exotic rarities, the best coffee varieties offer a wide range of flavor profiles and aromatic nuances. However, many coffee drinkers don’t realize there’s more to coffee than the terms “Arabica” and “Robusta.” In this article, I want to explore the fascinating diversity of coffee varieties and introduce the most popular coffee types and their specialties.

Introduction to the Best Coffee Varieties

For most consumers, coffee is just a beverage, but it is actually an experience that stimulates the senses and allows us to immerse ourselves in various cultures and traditions. The selection of coffee varieties is vast and offers something for every taste and preference. In this article, I want to take a closer look at the best coffee varieties and their unique characteristics.

The diversity of coffee varieties results from various factors such as growing region, altitude, climate, and, of course, the variety itself. Each coffee variety has its own story and development, making it unique in its own way. From classic varieties cultivated for centuries to modern breeds tailored to specific requirements and tastes, there is much to discover.

• Growing region: The geographic location of the growing area influences the climate and soil conditions, which directly affect the flavor of the coffee.
• Altitude: Coffees grown at higher altitudes often have more complex and intense aromas.
• Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and sunlight play an important role in the development of the fruits, or coffee cherries.
• Processing: The method used to process the coffee cherries after harvest can greatly influence the flavor, whether through wet or dry processing, for example.

Typica: The Archetype of Coffee

Typica is one of the oldest and most renowned coffee varieties globally and forms the foundation of many modern varieties. This variety has its origin in Ethiopia and has been brought to numerous coffee-growing regions worldwide over the centuries. Typica is known for its excellent quality and balanced flavor profile, making it one of the best coffee varieties.

• Origin: From a botanical perspective, coffee (Coffea) is actually a genus of plants within the Rubiaceae family. This includes species such as Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora). Under the Arabica species, the varieties Typica and Bourbon have developed. Typica is therefore not only one of the original coffee varieties but also the “mother” of many other varieties that I will delve into further.
• Plant characteristics: The leaves of the Typica plant are rather bronze-colored. The plant itself is relatively tall and can reach a height of over 4 meters. The beans of the Typica plant are also relatively large. Ripe coffee cherries of the Typica plant are identified by their red coloration. Unfortunately, the yield potential is low, which is why it is grown less frequently.
• Flavor profile: Typica coffee is distinguished by its fine, complex aromas. It offers a fairly balanced flavor experience with a medium body and a light, pleasant acidity. Typical flavor notes include mild sweetness, slight fruitiness, and floral nuances.

Bourbon: The Classic Coffee Variety

Bourbon is one of the most renowned and widespread coffee varieties worldwide. This variety has its origin on Bourbon Island (now Réunion) in the Indian Ocean. French missionaries brought it in the early 17th century from Yemen to the island and gave it the name it still bears today. Only in the mid-19th century did the variety spread to other parts of the world. Around 1860, the variety reached Brazil, where it quickly spread to other parts of South and Central America. Even today, the variety is still cultivated here.

• Origin: As mentioned in the Typica section, the Arabica species has led to the development of the Typica and Bourbon varieties. Bourbon is also one of the original coffee varieties and can be considered the “mother” of many other varieties.
• Plant characteristics: The leaves of the Bourbon plant are green, and the plant itself is relatively tall. The bean size is average, and the yield potential is moderate. However, the Bourbon plant is susceptible to diseases and pests, requiring careful cultivation.
• Flavor profile: Bourbon coffee offers a rich, complex flavor experience with abundant sweet notes. It has low, balanced acidity and a medium to full body.

Caturra: The Compact Variety

Caturra is a very popular coffee variety that originally hails from Brazil, where it was discovered sometime between 1915 and 1918 on a farm in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. It was recognized as a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety. The name “Caturra” comes from the Guarani language, an indigenous group in Central South America, and means “small,” reflecting the plant’s growth habit.

After the discovery of Caturra, the Instituto Agronomico (IAC) in São Paulo began investigations in 1937, focusing on the plant’s small size. The compact growth made it possible to plant Caturra trees closer together, producing more fruit in less space. Sustainability and biodiversity weren’t significant considerations at the time.

• Origin: As mentioned, Caturra is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, one of the two original Arabica strains.
• Plant Characteristics: The Caturra plant is relatively small and compact, making it both easy to care for and productive. However, it is prone to certain diseases and requires careful monitoring and maintenance.
• Flavor Profile: Caturra coffee offers a lively and balanced flavor experience with pleasant acidity. The aromas range from fruity notes like citrus and berries to chocolatey and nutty tones. Its medium body and harmonious flavors make Caturra a versatile choice for various brewing methods, such as pour-over and French Press.

Catuai: Yellow and Red Compared

Catuai is a popular coffee variety resulting from the hybridization of Mundo Novo and Caturra. Mundo Novo is known for its high productivity, while Caturra offers compact growth for closer planting. It’s logical why the Instituto Agronomico (IAC) in São Paulo combined these traits through crossbreeding.

This variety exists in two color variants: Yellow (Yellow Catuai) and Red (Red Catuai), with cherries turning yellow or red upon ripening. If this variety piques your interest, feel free to check out our article on the Arabica variety Catuai.

• Origin: Catuai is a hybrid of the Mundo Novo and Caturra varieties. Caturra is a natural mutation of Bourbon, and Mundo Novo is a hybrid of Typica and Bourbon.
• Plant Characteristics: Catuai plants are recognized for their compact growth and high productivity. The leaves are green, and the beans are of average size.
• Flavor Profile: Catuai coffee provides a balanced and rich flavor experience. Yellow Catuai (Catuai Amarelo) tends to have fruitier and sweeter notes, while Red Catuai (Catuai Vermelho) often boasts intense chocolatey and nutty flavors. Both variants offer pleasant acidity and a medium to full body, suitable for various brewing methods like the Chemex.

If this has whetted your appetite, try our Lichtblick coffee from Brazil, featuring red and yellow Catuai from Minas Gerais. Here, coffee farmer Rogério, with whom we have direct contact, carefully tends to the Catuai plants.

IHCAFE 90: The Honduran Innovation

IHCAFE 90 is a coffee variety developed in Honduras that quickly gained a reputation as one of the best. This variety was cultivated by the Instituto Hondureño del Café (IHCAFE) to create a strain that is both disease-resistant and high-quality. IHCAFE 90 combines robustness with excellent taste, making it a favorite among farmers and coffee lovers alike.

IHCAFE 90 coffee is distinguished by its balanced and complex flavor profile. Typical notes include chocolate, nuts, and caramel, complemented by mild fruitiness and pleasant acidity. This versatility makes IHCAFE 90 an excellent choice for various brewing methods, from espresso to drip coffee.

• Origin: IHCAFE 90 is a cross between Timor Hybrid 832/1 and Caturra, with Caturra being a natural mutation of Bourbon.
• Plant Characteristics: IHCAFE 90 plants are robust and resistant, notable for their high productivity and ability to thrive under different climatic conditions. The plants are relatively easy to maintain, which appeals to coffee farmers. Additionally, the plants are small, have bronze-colored leaves, and medium-sized beans.
• Flavor Profile: IHCAFE 90 coffee offers a rich and balanced flavor experience. Typical notes include chocolate, nuts, and caramel, accompanied by mild fruitiness and pleasant acidity. Its medium body and harmonious flavors make IHCAFE 90 a versatile choice for various brewing methods.

If you’d like to try IHCAFE 90, consider ordering our Freiheit coffee from Honduras. We have direct contact with the farmers, and this coffee is especially well-suited for espresso machines, automated coffee machines, or stovetop coffee makers.

Best Coffee Varieties and Their Flavor Profiles

The diversity of the best coffee varieties offers quite a wide range of flavor profiles. These profiles can range from fruity and floral to chocolaty and nutty. Understanding these flavor profiles and how they come about is essential to finding the perfect coffee variety for one’s taste. Every coffee has its unique aromas and characteristics, influenced by the region, altitude, climate, and, of course, processing methods.

An Overview of Flavor Profiles

The best coffee varieties can be categorized into different flavor profiles that help define and navigate individual preferences. Here are some of the main flavor profiles found in high-quality coffees:

• Fruity: Coffees with fruity flavor notes offer aromas reminiscent of berries, citrus fruits, or tropical fruits. These coffees often have a vibrant acidity and are particularly refreshing. Examples of fruity coffee varieties include Heirloom varieties from Ethiopia and SL 28 from Kenya.
• Floral: Floral coffees are characterized by aromas of flowers like jasmine, lavender, or rose. These flavor profiles are often subtle and elegant, with a delicate acidity. Geisha is an excellent example of a coffee variety with floral notes.
• Chocolaty: Chocolaty coffees offer aromas reminiscent of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder. These varieties typically have a fuller body and a softer acidity. Bourbon and Catuai are well-known varieties with chocolaty flavor notes.
• Nutty: Nutty coffees have aromas that resemble hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts. These flavor profiles are often mild and balanced, with a pleasant sweetness. Lempira and IHCAFE 90 are examples of coffee varieties with nutty notes.
• Spicy: Spicy coffees reveal aromas of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg. These varieties often have complex and intense depth of flavor. Heirloom varieties and some coffees from Sumatra are known for their spicy aromas.

Discovering the best coffee varieties and their flavor profiles is a journey that can be very exciting. It is worth trying different varieties and growing regions to experience the richness and depth of coffee aromas. Whether fruity, floral, chocolaty, nutty, or spicy – there is a perfect coffee for every taste and coffee enthusiast.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best coffee varieties?

The best coffee varieties include a wide range of strains distinguished by their high-quality standards and unique flavor profiles. These include Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, Geisha, SL 28, SL 34, IHCAFE 90, Lempira, and Heirloom varieties from Ethiopia.

How do the flavor profiles of different coffee varieties differ?

The flavor profiles of different coffee varieties vary greatly depending on the region, altitude, climate, and processing methods. For instance, Geisha coffees offer floral and fruity notes, while Bourbon coffees have chocolaty and nutty aromas. Heirloom varieties from Ethiopia are renowned for their complex and versatile flavor profiles, which can include floral, fruity, and spicy notes.

What role do growing regions play in coffee quality?

Growing regions significantly influence the quality and flavor profile of coffee. Factors such as climate, soil composition, altitude, and precipitation contribute to the development of coffee cherries. Regions like the Ethiopian highlands and Kenyan uplands are known for their ideal growing conditions and production of high-quality coffee.

Which brewing methods are best suited for different coffee varieties?

The best brewing method depends on the coffee variety and the desired flavor profile. Fruity and floral coffee varieties such as Geisha are excellent for pour-over brewing, while chocolaty and nutty varieties like Bourbon are well-suited for espresso. It’s worth experimenting with different methods to achieve the best results.

How can I find the best coffee variety for my taste?

To find the best coffee variety for your taste, consider your personal preferences regarding flavor notes, roast level, and brewing methods. Try different varieties and growing regions, visit local roasteries, and experiment with different brewing techniques to discover your favorites.

Sources

1. https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/varieties/typica
2. https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/varieties/bourbon
3. https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/varieties/caturra
4. https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/varieties/catuai
5. https://varieties.worldcoffeeresearch.org/varieties/ihcafe-90