Walking through the coffee aisle of your cafe, you’ve probably noticed at some point that nearly, if not all, of the bags, say “Arabica Coffee” or “Arabica Beans” on them. Have you ever wondered why? There are four main types of coffee beans, with Arabica being the most popular one. When we think about how coffee is classified and sold, we think of things like roasting characteristics and source of origin. This information is useful in determining what to anticipate from a particular coffee, but it does not convey the entire picture. Let’s take a deeper look at the variety of delicious beans available and what makes each one of them unique.

Arabica (Coffea Arabica)

First on the list being Arabica, which is one of the most common and popular coffee beans, accounting for 60% of the world’s coffee production. This type of coffee bean is very popular due to its complex taste profiles and aromas.

Coffee connoisseurs love high-quality Arabica beans for their delicate and distinctive flavors, smooth body, and refined acidity. The beans may have a fruity, nutty, or even chocolatey flavor depending on where the plant grows and how it is picked. Arabica beans are known as higher quality and have a high demand which makes them more expensive than other types of coffee beans.

Robusta (Coffea Caniphora)

You’ve also probably heard of Robusta, which is the world’s second-most-produced coffee after Arabica. Its name is no coincidence. The Robusta varietal is extremely tolerant of its environment and practically immune to disease. Robusta coffee may grow at a variety of elevations, although it thrives in hot climates with erratic rainfall.

Robusta coffee beans have almost double the amount of caffeine compared to Arabica beans — in fact, caffeine is what makes Robusta plants so robust! It is also known for most instant coffees or as a filler in dark roasts. Thus, tastes great when served even cold with cream and sugar. Don’t forget, they make a great cup of iced coffee!

Liberica ( Coffea Liberica )

Liberica is harder to come by in the coffee world these days, but this varietal has an important place in the world’s coffee history. Liberica beans are larger than the others, often asymmetrical, and they’re the only coffee bean in the world that has such an irregular shape. The beans are said to have a unique aroma just like its shape, consisting of floral and fruity notes, with a full body that possesses a smoky taste; those who have had Liberica coffee say that it is unlike any coffee they have ever tasted — with many saying it does not even taste like coffee. These beans aren’t widely grown hence they’re hard to come by in the commercial market.

Excelsa ( Coffea excelsa or Coffea liberica var. Dewevrei )

Excelsa coffee beans are also cultivated very little. They constitute only 7% of the overall coffee consumption in the world. Although Excelsa has just been reclassified as a part of the Liberica family, the two could not be more unlike; in fact, some members of the coffee community would still see it as a different species. It’s commonly used in blends to give the coffee a burst of taste and complexity, influencing the middle and back palates more effectively. Excelsa is described as having a tart and fruity body, with tastes suggestive of a mild roast, and dark, roasty undertones. This mystery lures coffee drinkers from around the world to try and seek out the varietal.

Nothing compares to the pleasure of starting the day with a warm cup of coffee. Instant coffee has become an indispensable component of our daily routine, but wait! Where did instant coffee come from, and how did it become so popular? So, as you’re sipping your favorite coffee, keep reading to find out.

Instant coffee was initially popularized during the First World War as part of troops’ rations, despite its invention in the 18th century. Following the First World War, disturbances in the global economy resulted in a national coffee surplus in Brazil. Nestlé and the Brazilian Coffee Institute collaborated in the 1930s to create instant coffee, which became popular during WWII.

Its popularity only rose from there. To improve the quality and flavor of instant coffee, freeze-drying was introduced in the 1960s. Soluble coffee is still freeze-dried today, in addition to the more common method of spray-drying. Instant coffee (also known as soluble, powder, or crystal) is currently shipped as a finished product. Green or roasted beans are likewise much more difficult to transport. It is less expensive than whole beans, can survive tougher circumstances, and is frequently prepared with robusta rather than arabica. The instant coffee industry is valued at US$ 12.1 Billion in 2020. But why is instant coffee so popular?

The success of instant coffee can be attributed to several causes. The key factors are the low cost and preparation time. People in today’s fast-paced world often don’t have enough time to prepare breakfast or a beverage, so they turn to instant coffee for a quick burst of energy. Instant coffee definitely tastes good, but what impact does it have on our health?

In the modern diet, coffee is the most abundant source of antioxidants. Its strong antioxidant concentration is thought to be the source of many of its health advantages. Instant coffee is high in antioxidants, because of the way instant coffee is produced, it is believed to have even more antioxidants than traditional brews. For thousands of years, coffee has been recognized to promote cognitive function and concentration, and scientific investigations seem to back this up. It also has an impact on your mental health, as coffee has been linked to a lower incidence of depression and suicide. Caffeine has also been shown to help burn more calories via increasing metabolism. This is just the tip of the iceberg as the advantages of instant coffee, just like the influence it has on our minds and bodies, cannot be summed up in a single section.

Ah, coffee, coffee, coffee. It is really difficult for us to picture a day without it, whether you’re holding a travel mug on your way to work or running out after class to recharge with a skinny latte. Caffeine wakes you up, and there’s something quite relaxing about sipping coffee. But the question is, is coffee good for your health?

The good news is the case for coffee is more compelling than ever. Research indicates that you may be getting more from coffee than you have imagined, all thanks to the high level of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. Your brew gives you benefits beyond an energy boost. Here are some top benefits of coffee that can positively impact your health:

You Could Live Longer:

Yes, you heard it right. Coffee can help in increasing your life span. It was also found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from heart disease, stroke. Coffee is known to protect one’s heart, liver, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Can Improve Physical Performance:

Caffeine stimulates your nervous system, signaling fat cells to break down body fat. But it also helps in enhancing the adrenaline rush in your blood. This is the fight-or-flight hormone, and it prepares your body for vigorous physical activity. Caffeine helps in breaking down body fat, making free fatty acid available as a fuel. It is unsurprising to see that caffeine helps in improving physical performance.

The Biggest Source of Antioxidants in the Western Diet:

Coffee may be one of the healthiest components of a normal Western diet for those who follow a standard Western diet. This is because coffee contains a lot of antioxidants. According to studies, many people get more antioxidants from coffee than they do from fruits and vegetables combined. In fact, coffee may be one of the world’s healthiest beverages.

Can Help in Fighting Depression:

Depression is a serious mental illness that drastically reduces one’s quality of life. Coffee appears to lessen your chance of getting depression and may significantly reduce your risk of suicide. A study suggested that 4 or more cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed.

May Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes is a major health issue that affects millions of individuals globally. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels induced by insulin resistance or a decreased capacity to produce insulin. Studies show that for some reason coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of type 2.

May Lower the Risk of Parkinson’s:

Parkinson’s disease is the second most prevalent neurological illness. It is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in your brain. As with Alzheimer’s, there is no known treatment, which emphasizes the need for prevention. According to studies, coffee users had a considerably decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease, with a risk reduction ranging from 32 to 60 percent.

Can Help you Burn Fat:

Caffeine is present in nearly every commercial fat-burning product for a reason. It is one of the few natural compounds that has been shown to help in fat burning. Caffeine has been shown in trials to increase metabolic rate by 3–11 percent. According to other research, caffeine can particularly enhance fat burning by up to 10% in obese persons and 29% in lean people.

Can Improve Energy Levels and Make You Smarter:

Coffee can help individuals feel less fatigued and have more energy. This is due to the presence of caffeine, a stimulant that is the most widely ingested psychoactive drug in the world. Caffeine is taken into your system when you consume coffee. It then makes its way to your brain. Many controlled human studies suggest that coffee enhances different elements of brain function, such as memory, mood, alertness, energy levels, response speeds, and overall mental performance.

We’ve all been there: waiting in line at our favorite coffee shop, sweating because we don’t know the difference between a cold brew and a traditional iced coffee. Oh, yes we have also been there. But don’t worry we’ve got you covered, from the differences between iced coffees to expressos to all the many ways to prepare your beloved cup of coffee. Keep your grip on the steering wheel. We’re delving into your favorite morning beverage.

Latte, americano, affogato…it’s crazy all that one can do with a few small beans. There are so many different sorts of coffee beverages to discover, whether you’re a coffee beginner or a coffee enthusiast. Here are a few of the most common varieties of coffee that people order around the country.

Black Coffee:

The first one is quite obvious and most preferred coffee. It is as simple as it sounds just pour in some steaming water and add in some classic agglomerated or any kind of ground instant coffee and if you want to sound fancy, you can call black coffee by its proper name: cafe noir. Since it isn’t diluted with milk or sugar, the quality of coffee is especially important so be careful about it.

Latte:

It is known to be one of the most popular coffee drinks out there, it comprises shots of espresso and steamed milk with just a touch of foam. Skilled baristas often swirl the foam into latte art!

Cappuccino:

Cappuccino is a latte made with more foam than steamed milk often topped with your favorite cocoa powder or cinnamon on top. At times one can use different variations of cream instead of milk.

Americano:

The americano is made up of an espresso shot diluted in hot water and has a taste comparable to black coffee. Pour the espresso first, then add the hot water if you’re brewing your own.

Espresso:

An espresso shot can be served on its own or as the base for a variety of coffee beverages, such as lattes and macchiatos.

Mocha:

You will fall in love with a mocha if you are a chocolate fan (or maybe you already have). A chocolate espresso drink with steamed milk and froth is known as a mocha.

Flat White:

This Australian-born beverage is similar to a cappuccino but without the foam or chocolate strewed on top. It’s a steamed milk espresso drink.

Affogato:

The affogato is an excuse to enjoy a scoop of ice cream any time of day (and any time of year in my opinion). Served with a scoop of ice cream and a shot of espresso, or two. The affogato is extra delish served over a brownie.

Macchiato:

A macchiato is made by combining three parts froth with one part espresso. It’s not as creamy and smooth as a cappuccino, but it’s also not as powerful as an espresso shot.

Irish:

Irish coffee consists of black coffee, whiskey, and sugar, topped with whipped cream.

Types of Iced Coffee

In the summer, nothing beats a cold cup of iced coffee. Or perhaps you love these refreshing drinks all year. (Yes, we do!) Here are some of the greatest iced coffee beverages to try.

Iced Coffee:

Iced coffee is just a coffee with ice, often served with a splash of milk, cream, or sugar

Iced Espresso:

Iced espresso, like iced coffee, can be served alone or with a splash of milk, cream, or sugar. Specialty espresso-based beverages such as americanos, mochas, macchiatos, lattes, and flat whites can also be iced.

Cold Brew:

Cold brew coffees, the most popular of the iced coffees, are produced by steeping coffee beans for anywhere from 6 to 36 hours, depending on how strong you want your cold brew. Add cold milk or cream once the beans have finished steeping.

Frappuccino:

The famous Frappuccino is a blended iced coffee drink that’s topped with whipped cream and syrup. But not all Frappes are made the same.

Nitro:

Nitro is a cold brew coffee with nitrogen bubbles that create a frothy texture, Guinness-like consistency.

Mazagran:

Maza-who?! Mazagran coffee is a blend of iced coffee, tea, and your favorite rum cocktail. Espresso, lemon, sugar, and (sometimes) rum are the main ingredients.