Coffee, the beloved beverage that fuels millions of people around the globe, offers a remarkable variety in terms of flavor, aroma, and texture. From the strong and bold taste of espresso to the subtle and fruity notes of a light roast, the world of coffee is as diverse as the people who drink it. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of coffee beans, roasting methods, and brewing techniques that contribute to the distinctive characteristics of various coffee varieties.

Coffee Beans – The Foundation of Flavour

1.1 Arabica
Regarded as the most popular and best quality coffee bean, Arabica accounts for about 60% of global coffee production. These beans are grown at high altitudes in regions with abundant rainfall, which contributes to their delicate and fruity flavour profile. Some popular Arabica varieties include Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Colombian Supremo, and Jamaican Blue Mountain.

1.2 Robusta
Robusta beans, the second most popular type of coffee bean, thrive in lower altitudes and warmer climates. They boast a more robust and bitter taste and contain almost twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans. Often used in espresso blends, Robusta beans can be found in Vietnamese coffee and Italian espresso.

1.3 Liberica
Though less common, Liberica beans are grown primarily in Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines. With a unique aroma that resembles a mix of floral and fruity notes, Liberica beans are known for their distinct, full-bodied flavour.

The Art of Roasting

2.1 Light Roast
Light roast coffee is characterized by its bright acidity and fruity, floral notes. The beans are roasted for a shorter period, preserving the complex flavours of the original bean. Some common light roast varieties include Ethiopian Sidamo and Costa Rican Tarrazu.

2.2 Medium Roast
Medium roast coffee strikes a balance between the bean’s natural flavours and the roasting process. These versatile roasts offer a mix of fruity and chocolatey notes, with mild acidity. Popular medium roast beans include Colombian Supremo and Sumatran Mandheling.  The Coast to Coast blend at the North Coast Café is a medium roast, offering a full-bodied drink without the bitterness often associated with darker roasts.

2.3 Dark Roast
Dark roast coffee features bold, rich flavours, with a pronounced bitterness and a lower acidity. The beans are roasted for a longer period, resulting in a smoky and full-bodied taste. Some classic dark roasts include French Roast and Italian Espresso.

Brewing Techniques – Crafting the Perfect Cup

3.1 Drip Coffee
Drip coffee is a popular brewing method that involves pouring hot water over ground coffee, allowing it to pass through a paper or metal filter. This method produces a clean, balanced cup with a medium body and mild acidity.

3.2 Espresso
Espresso is prepared by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure. This process results in a concentrated, rich, and bold coffee with a distinctive crema on top. The North Coast Café prefers this method for preparing our delicious coffee.

3.3 Pour Over
Pour-over brewing involves manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a conical filter. This method allows for precise control over water temperature and brewing time, resulting in a bright, flavorful cup that highlights the coffee’s natural characteristics.

3.4 French Press or Cafetiere
The French press is a full-immersion brewing method that steeps coffee grounds in hot water before pressing them through a mesh filter. This process produces a strong, full-bodied cup with a velvety texture and bold flavour profile.

The world of coffee is as diverse and fascinating as the people who enjoy it. From the unique characteristics of various beans to the artful roasting process and myriad brewing techniques, each type of coffee offers a distinct experience for the senses. So next time you’re savouring a cup of your favourite brew, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey that brought those flavours to life.