Coffee Beans and Traits by Region

There are many coffee lovers around the world, and with so many of them relying on coffee for several reasons, taste is very important. Bitter, weak, acidic, or otherwise bad-tasting coffee can be a disappointment. This is why many people who regularly drink coffee will often go out of their way to find the most enjoyable and the best-tasting coffee possible.

The exact origin of coffee is unclear, but it is clear that it first originated in Ethiopia and Yemen. After the coffee berry plant was found to promote energy and exhilaration in Ethiopia in the 15th century, it was transported across the Red Sea to Yemen for cultivation during the same century.

Once farmers in Yemen started growing coffee, it wasn’t until the 16th century that coffee was introduced to Europe, and then other countries after that. In the 1700s, the coffee bean was introduced to the United States as well as other countries.

Once people around the world discovered the wonderful effects and taste of coffee, it quickly became the wonder drink that everyone demanded. Farmers worldwide began growing and distributing their own coffee beans, and many experimented with different types and flavors.

Coffee began being mass-produced in the 1800s, allowing grocery stores worldwide to sell this wonderful energizing bean to people. Packages of coffee were available to the public prior to mass production, but not in large quantities.

Here is an overview of coffee, what affects its flavor, what regions throughout the world have the best coffee, and more.

Coffee Belt

Despite its popularity, coffee must be grown in specific conditions, or it will simply fail to grow. You have probably not heard of people growing coffee beans in their vegetable gardens in Detroit, Toronto, and many other countries. That's because it's not possible. If it's not grown in the coffee belt, then coffee bean plants can't survive. The coffee belt is a term used to describe the specific areas in which coffee plants will prosper.

Another name for the "coffee belt" is "the bean belt", which is located along the Equatorial zone. The ideal climate for coffee growth is warm and tropical. The soil must also be nutrient-rich and contain as few pests and diseases as possible. The warm and tropical regions which the coffee belt encompasses include 5 continents: South, North and Central America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

While there are approximately 70 countries located in the coffee belt, only about 40 of these countries are known for producing and distributing the coffee beans that people know and love. The countries that make up the coffee belt include:

• Guatemala
• Costa Rica
• Vietnam
• Ethiopia
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Panama
• And many more!

Climate

Climate and altitude have a significant effect on the taste of coffee. The higher the altitude, the lower the temperatures are. Cooler temperatures mean that the coffee beans will grow at a slower rate, allowing more time for certain distinctive flavors that people look for to develop. The coffee fruit is typically smaller in these areas, and it takes longer for them to mature.

The climate in lower altitude areas is often more extreme than in higher altitudes. Although coffee beans grow and mature faster in warmer, lower-altitude areas, the taste is often compromised. This results in coffee beans that have a flatter taste in comparison to beans grown at higher elevations. Robusta coffee is typically grown in lower altitude areas, although some Arabica is also produced in these areas.

Lower altitudes often endanger coffee fruit trees, as the temperatures are often too warm, there's more sun exposure, and there is also a higher instance of pests. The more pests that are present on the plants, the more pesticides must be used, which can compromise the taste of the beans, as well.

The soil is often composed of different levels of nutrients and drains differently depending on the altitude. This also has a significant impact on the taste of coffee beans. Research was conducted on the soil in different altitudes where coffee bean plants are grown by researchers at the College of Tropical Crops at Yunnan Agricultural University. The results revealed that the nutrient levels in the samples taken from higher altitude areas were richer and less acidic.

Coffee Bean Flavors and the Different Altitudes

Despite the fact that coffee is regularly grown in the 40 well-known producing countries that are all located within the coffee belt, each climate has its own differences. Different climates can affect the taste of coffee, which is due to various altitudes. The idea is that the lower the altitude, the blander and less potent coffee beans are when it comes to flavor. One lower-altitude area that produces coffee is Hawaii. In fact, Hawaii is the largest producer of coffee in the United States, and the type of coffee that is grown here is mostly Arabica.

Medium altitude areas produce coffee that is sweeter and smoother in taste. Brazil is located in a medium-altitude area, and this country produces 40% of the world's coffee. The coffee produced in Brazil, like in Hawaii, is mostly Arabica. Robusta is also grown in Brazil.

Higher altitudes in the countries of Nicaragua, Mexico, and Costa Rica. The coffee beans produced in these areas are vanilla, nutty, chocolate, and citrus-tasting. These countries produce Arabica and Robusta.

Countries in the highest altitude areas include Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Colombia. The coffee beans in these areas have a spicy, fruity, floral, berry-like flavor. Coffee grown in these very high-altitude countries is very acidic and emits some of the most potent and exquisite aromas.

Varietals

There are numerous types of coffee, and Arabica is the most popular and Robusta is a bit less popular. In addition to Arabica and Robusta, there are Liberica and Excelsa. Here are overviews of all four of these different types of coffee beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee, when compared to other types of coffee, is the premium Grade-A best because of its sweet and pleasant taste. Arabica coffee beans are used in nearly 70% of coffee sold in grocery stores and restaurants worldwide. Arabica is also very low in calories, and it contains several minerals and antioxidants, so drinking Arabica has health benefits. Arabica was originally grown in the Ethiopia Highlands, but now it's grown in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and many other countries. Arabica coffee has significantly less bitterness and acidity than other coffee, and it contains more natural sugars and fats that help to shape its flavor.

Robusta

Robusta is grown in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Vietnam is the largest producer of Robusta coffee, and this country grows about 40% of this type of coffee. Even though Robusta is easier to grow than Arabica, Robusta isn't nearly as popular as Arabica coffee is. Many coffee drinkers are turned off by Robusta's strong taste, and some even compare its flavor to "the burned rubber of a tire." Others consider Robusta to be bitter and taste grain-like. Many argue that it's unfair to lump all Robusta coffee beans into one category because the taste will depend on where and how it was grown. Despite its lack of popularity, Robusta coffee can be found worldwide, as it's cheaper and easier to produce than Arabica.

Liberica

This type of coffee is very rare in comparison to Arabia or even Robusta, and it's produced in about 1% of cases. The taste is very unappealing and bitter to most coffee drinkers. Liberica was originally grown in Liberia, West Africa, which is where it got its name. The Philippines currently produces the most Liberica coffee, as more than 70% of this type of coffee is grown there. Liberica coffee is enjoyed by people living in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and of course, the Philippines. Liberica is lower in caffeine in comparison to other varieties, and some people refer to its flavor as being "smoky."

Excelsa

Before 2006, Excelsa was considered to be its own class of coffee, but now, it's known that this coffee is simply a different variety of Liberica. Excelsa coffee is typically grown in East African countries like Sudan and Ethiopia. Grown in higher altitudes, Excelsa coffee is often superior in quality and taste, making it superior to those who like its flavor. Despite its high quality, there isn't much demand for this type of coffee, so it isn't distributed worldwide like Arabica is. A majority of coffee drinkers outside Africa and other areas where this type of coffee is consumed, most people strongly dislike the flavor of Excelsa.In some cases, Excelsa is added to Arabica to create a delicious-tasting combination. In other cases, farmers grow this type of coffee for themselves and their families.

Hybrids

Several hybrids have been created, but they aren't yet very popular. Hybrids have many benefits, such as the ability to produce larger cups of coffee, they're rust-resistant and more productive. Timor is a cross between Arabica and Robusta, which could become popular in the future.

Coffee Regions and Their Characteristics and Flavor Notes

Central and South America (Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica)

Columbia has a great reputation when it comes to producing great-tasting coffee beans, and they're the only country that produces wet-processed Arabia. Wet-processed means that the coffee beans must sit for up to 30 days. This enhances the flavor of the beans, as the cell structure is hardened in the process. Colombian coffee beans are sought after by many coffee lovers, as their Arabia is known for being mild-tasting and balanced. Some flavors associated with Colombian coffee are chocolate, berries, tropical fruits, apples, and more.

Brazil is one of the largest producers of coffee worldwide, and this country produces 40% of coffee worldwide. One of the reasons why Brazil is such a major producer of coffee is because of its taste. People love the hint of chocolate, toasted almond, and caramel flavors of their coffee. A majority of coffee beans produced in Brazil are medium roasts, although there are also some light and dark varieties.

Costa Rica is another popular producer of coffee beans worldwide, and their coffee is popular due to the smooth, clean, and pleasant taste of their coffee. Many people describe the taste of their beans as chocolate, caramel-like, honey-tasting, etc. Costa Rica produces approximately $1.5 million of bags of coffee each year, which is distributed worldwide.

Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen)

Ethiopia produces over $7.62 million bags of coffee on an annual basis, and its coffee is known for its spicy, chocolate, and mocha-flavored coffee beans. Some of the most unique and delicious varieties of coffee have originated in Ethiopia, and they are expected to continue to be a popular producer.

Kenya grows delicious-tasting coffee at high altitudes, and it's high in quality and rich in minerals. Kenyan coffee is noted for being starch-like, with a hint of banana, chocolate, caramel, and sweet berry flavors.

Yemen coffee is known for its full-bodied flavors that boast hints of cinnamon, chocolate, raisin, and wine-like flavors. Yemen is known for its microclimate, which helps to produce drought-resistant coffee plants.

Asia (India, Vietnam, Indonesia)

India is better known for growing tea, but it grows coffee beans as well. India's coffee beans are known for tasting delicate and sweet, with overtones of floral and fruity flavors. The coffee grown in India is grown in shade, which protects the plants, as the full sun is harsh on the plants. 80% of the coffee grown in India is grown in the rainforest of Karnataka. This country grows both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.

Vietnam's coffee is known for being bold and bitter, which isn't a favorite for coffee drinkers around the world. However, it doesn't exclude this country from being a major coffee grower, as they grow about $31.58 million bags of coffee a year. Most of the coffee grown in Vietnam is Robusta.

Indonesia produces about 660,000 tons of coffee each year. Its coffee is known for being full-bodied and creamy, and its taste is chocolatey, syrupy, and earthy. Most of the coffee produced in Indonesia is dark roast.

As you can see, the region in which coffee is grown directly affects its overall flavor, aroma, and other attributes that set it apart from other types. For people who prefer coffee that has a bland taste and isn't very aromatic, coffee grown in lower altitude areas should be opted for. However, most people prefer strong, bold, acidic, and flavorful coffee that comes from regions in higher altitudes. Some people like their strong and flavorful Arabic black, while others enjoy adding cream, milk, sugar, and various flavors that can significantly enhance the flavor.