Journey into the World of Coffee: From the Aroma of Arabica to the Bitterness of Espresso

 

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, made from the beans of the coffee plant. This warm and energizing drink comes in many varieties and is prepared and consumed in different ways around the world. Understanding the types of coffee and their differences can help in making better choices and enjoying this beverage more. In this article, we will explore the various types of coffee, their differences, and the calories of each. At the end, we will provide a comparative table of all these coffees.

 

Types of Coffee and Their Differences

Espresso

Calories: About 3 calories per shot

Espresso is the base for many coffee drinks. It is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure, resulting in a strong and concentrated flavor. Espresso is often served as a small shot but can also be used as a base for other drinks like cappuccino and latte.

 

Americano

Calories: About 3 calories per shot

Americano is a type of coffee made by adding hot water to espresso. This coffee is more diluted than espresso and has a milder flavor. It is popular in many countries and widely consumed in the United States.

 

Latte

Calories: About 120 calories per cup (with whole milk)

 Latte is a coffee drink made by combining espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam. The mild flavor of milk dominates this coffee, and it is often served with sugar, various syrups, or cocoa powder. Latte is a popular choice for those who do not prefer the strong taste of coffee.

 

Cappuccino

Calories: About 80 calories per cup (with whole milk)

Cappuccino is also made by combining espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, but it has more foam than a latte. Cappuccino is usually served in small cups and has a stronger and frothier taste compared to a latte.

 

Macchiato

Calories: About 15 calories per shot

Macchiato is a shot of espresso served with a small amount of milk foam. This type of coffee complements the strong flavor of espresso with a thin layer of milk. Macchiato is usually prepared in two ways: plain and caramel, with caramel syrup added in the latter.

 

Mocha

Calories: About 160 calories per cup (with whole milk)

 Mocha is a type of coffee made by combining espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. This coffee has a sweet and chocolatey flavor and is often served with whipped cream. Mocha is a popular choice for those who enjoy sweet and dessert-like coffee.

 

Flat White

Calories: About 120 calories per cup (with whole milk)

Flat White is a coffee drink made by combining espresso with steamed milk without foam. This coffee is similar to a latte but has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, resulting in a stronger flavor.

 

Iced Coffee

 Calories: Variable (depending on the type of milk and additives)

Iced Coffee is a type of cold coffee usually made with espresso or brewed coffee and ice. This coffee can be served with or without milk and is often decorated with various syrups and flavorings. The calories of iced coffee can vary depending on the added ingredients.

 

Cold Brew

Calories: About 5 calories per cup

Cold Brew is a type of coffee made by steeping coffee beans in cold water for a long period. This coffee has a smooth and naturally sweet flavor and is less bitter due to the lack of heat. Cold Brew is usually served cold with ice.

 

Turkish coffee

Calories: About 20 calories per cup

Turkish coffee is traditionally prepared in Middle Eastern countries. The coffee beans are ground very finely and then brewed with water and sugar (if desired) in a special pot called a "Cezve" over low heat. This coffee is thick and strong and is served with coffee grounds.

 

French Press Coffee

Calories: About 2 calories per cup

French Press Coffee is made using a French press device. In this method, coffee grounds are mixed with hot water and after steeping for a while, they are separated from the liquid by pressing the plunger. This type of coffee has a rich flavor and distinctive texture.

 

 

Irish coffee

Calories: About 200 calories per cup

Irish coffee is a mixed drink that includes brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. This warm and strong drink is very popular in cold seasons and is also consumed as a dessert beverage.

 

Comparative Table of Coffee Types

 

 

Coffee Type	Calories	Main Ingredients	Characteristics
Espresso	3	Ground coffee	Strong and concentrated flavor
Americano	3	Espresso, hot water	More diluted than espresso, milder
Latte	120	Espresso, steamed milk	Mild and sweet flavor
Cappuccino	80	Espresso, milk, milk foam	Strong flavor with plenty of foam
Macchiato	15	Espresso, small amount of milk foam	Strong espresso flavor with a thin layer of milk
Mocha	160	Espresso, milk, chocolate	Sweet and chocolatey flavor
Flat White	120	Espresso, steamed milk	Stronger flavor than latte
Iced Coffee	Variable	Espresso or brewed coffee, ice	Cold coffee with various flavorings
Cold Brew	5	Cold brewed coffee	Smooth and sweet, no bitterness
Turkish Coffee	20	Finely ground coffee, water	Thick and strong, served with grounds
French Press	2	Brewed coffee	Rich flavor and distinctive texture
Irish Coffee	200	Coffee, whiskey, sugar, cream	Warm and strong with alcoholic flavor

 

 

Types of Coffee Based on Beans

Coffee is divided into several categories based on the type of beans used in its preparation. Coffee beans mainly come from four primary types, each with different characteristics and qualities. Here, we introduce these types of coffee beans and their features.

 

 

 

 

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are the most popular and widely consumed coffee beans in the world, accounting for about 60-70% of global coffee production. Arabica is known for its mild and complex flavor, high acidity, and low bitterness.

Characteristics of Arabica Beans

Flavor: Arabica has a milder and more complex flavor compared to other beans, often with fruity and chocolatey notes.

Caffeine: Arabica beans contain less caffeine than other types.

Growing Region: These beans are mostly grown in mountainous regions at high altitudes and require cool and stable climates.

Quality: Arabica is considered a high-quality coffee bean and is often used for specialty and premium coffees.

 

Robusta

Robusta is the second most consumed type of coffee bean, accounting for about 25-30% of global coffee production. These beans are typically used in instant coffee and espresso due to their strong and bitter flavor.

Characteristics of Robusta Beans

Flavor: Robusta has a stronger, bitterer flavor. It is often described as "earthy" or "woody."

Caffeine: Robusta contains higher caffeine levels than Arabica, making it more energetic and bitter.

Growing Region: Robusta grows in lower altitude regions with warm and humid climates and is more resistant to harsh conditions.

Quality: Robusta is considered a lower quality bean compared to Arabica, but its high caffeine content and pest resistance keep it in production.

 

Liberica

Liberica is a rare type of coffee bean grown in specific parts of the world. These beans make up less than 2% of global coffee production and are known for their unique flavor and aroma.

 

Characteristics of Liberica Beans

Flavor: Liberica has a strong and unique flavor that may include fruity, floral, and even smoky notes.

Caffeine: The caffeine content in Liberica varies and can be higher or lower than other beans.

Growing Region: Liberica is mainly grown in West Africa and some parts of Southeast Asia.

Quality: These beans are used in niche markets and for specific consumers due to their rarity and unique flavor.

 

Excelsa

Excelsa is a subset of the Liberica family but is often recognized as a separate type due to its unique characteristics. These beans account for about 7% of global coffee production and are mostly grown in Southeast Asia.

Characteristics of Excelsa Beans

Flavor: Excelsa has a complex flavor that can be bitter and highly acidic. These beans are often used to add depth and complexity to coffee blends.

Caffeine: The caffeine content in Excelsa is balanced and can fall between Arabica and Robusta.

Growing Region: Excelsa grows in warm and humid regions of Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam and the Philippines.

Quality: Excelsa is highly regarded for its unique flavor and complexity in coffee blends, though it is less commonly used on its own.

 

Comparative Table of Coffee Bean Types

Bean Type	Quality	Growing Region	Caffeine Content	Flavor	Global Production Percentage
Arabica	High	High-altitude mountainous regions	Low	Mild, complex and fruity	60-70 %
Robusta	Medium	warm and humid climates	High	Strong, bitter and earthy	25-30 %
Liberica	Unique and special	West Africa and Southeast Asia	Variant	Strong, unique and smoky	Less than 2%
Excelsa	Unique and special	Southeast Asia	Mild	complex , bitter and highly acidic	7 %

 

 

 

Each type of coffee bean has unique characteristics that affect the flavor, caffeine content, and overall quality of the beverage. Choosing between these beans depends on personal preference and the type of coffee you want to make. From the mild and fruity taste of Arabica to the bitterness and strength of Robusta, each type of bean can offer a different coffee experience.

 

Types of Coffee Based on Roast

Coffee is categorized into different types based on the roasting process. This process significantly impacts the flavor, aroma, and color of the coffee. Roasting coffee means heating green coffee beans to a specific degree of doneness. These roast levels can be divided into three main categories:

 

Light Roast

Light roast means roasting the coffee beans at a lower temperature for a shorter time. In this roast, the beans are lighter in color and still retain some of the original characteristics of the green coffee beans.

Characteristics of Light Roast:

Color:  The beans are light brown and not shiny, as the oils have not yet surfaced.

Flavor:  Light roast coffees have fruity, floral flavors and even higher acidity. They have more complex and distinctive flavors compared to darker roasts.

Caffeine:  Light roast beans have more caffeine than darker roasts.

Popular Types:  Known as "Cinnamon Roast" or "Light City Roast."

 

Medium Roast

Medium roast is the most common type of coffee roast, where the beans turn medium brown. This roast balances the flavors of the green beans and the flavors created by the roasting process.

Characteristics of Medium Roast:

Color:  The beans are darker brown than light roast and have a slight sheen.

Flavor:  Medium roast has a balanced flavor of acidity and sweetness, often with caramel, chocolate, and nutty notes.

Caffeine:  The caffeine content is balanced, less than light roast but more than dark roast.

Popular Types:  Known as "American Roast" or "Breakfast Roast."

 

Dark Roast

Dark roast means roasting the coffee beans at a high temperature for a longer time. This roast results in very dark beans with natural oils surfacing.

Characteristics of Dark Roast

Color: The beans in a dark roast turn dark brown or even close to black and have a shiny surface due to natural oils.

Flavor: Dark roast coffees have a strong, bitter, and smoky flavor. This type of coffee has lower acidity and more chocolatey and caramel notes.

Caffeine: Dark roast beans have less caffeine compared to lighter roasts.

Most Famous Types: "French Roast" and "Italian Roast" are among the most well-known dark roasts.

 

Extra Dark Roast

Extra dark roast, sometimes referred to as "Double Roast," includes beans that are roasted to a very high degree, bringing all the flavors and oils to the surface.

Characteristics of Extra Dark Roast

Color: The beans are almost black and have a very shiny surface.

Flavor: Very smoky, bitter, and almost burnt flavor. There is almost no acidity, and the caffeine content is reduced to a minimum.

Caffeine: The lowest caffeine content among all roast types.

Most Famous Types: "Espresso Roast" and "Dark French Roast" fall into this category.

 

 

 

 

 

Comparative Table of Coffee Roast Types

Most Famous Types	Acidity	Caffeine Content	Flavor	Bean Color	Roast Type
Cinnamon, Light City	High	High	Fruity, Floral	Light Brown	Light Roast
American, Breakfast	Balanced	Balanced	Caramel, Chocolatey	Medium Brown	Medium Roast
French, Italian	Low	Low	Smoky, Chocolatey	Dark Brown	Dark Roast
Espresso, Dark French	Very Low	Very Low	Bitter, Burnt	Black and Shiny	Extra Dark Roast

 

Summary

The roast type of coffee greatly influences the final taste and aroma of the beverage. Choosing the right roast depends on personal preference; those who enjoy mild flavors and high acidity might prefer light roasts, while those who like strong and bitter flavors might prefer dark roasts. Understanding the differences between roast types can help in making a better coffee choice and provide a more enjoyable experience.

 

Difference between Espresso and Americano

Espresso is a strong and concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through coffee grounds. Americano is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water, making it milder and less concentrated than espresso.

 

• Which coffee type has more caffeine?

Light roast coffees generally have more caffeine than dark roasts due to less roasting time. In terms of bean type, Robusta has more caffeine compared to Arabica.

 

• Why is Latte sweeter than cappuccino?

Latte contains more steamed milk and less foam compared to cappuccino, making it milder and sweeter. Cappuccino has more milk foam, giving it a stronger and richer flavor.

 

• Difference between cold brew and iced coffee

Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for a long period (usually 12 to 24 hours), resulting in a smoother and less bitter flavor. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then served over ice, resulting in a stronger and bitterer taste.

 

• Which coffee type is used for espresso?

Dark roast beans are typically used for making espresso. These beans have a strong and bitter flavor ideal for espresso. Robusta beans are also used in espresso blends due to their high caffeine content and ability to create more cream (coffee foam).

 

• Is Turkish coffee the same as Espresso?

No, Turkish coffee and espresso are different. Turkish coffee is made using a traditional pot called a "Cezve" and has a thick texture with grounds in the cup. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through coffee grounds under pressure, resulting in a strong and concentrated flavor without grounds.

 

• Characteristics of French Press Coffee

Coffee made with a French press has a rich flavor and heavier texture. In this method, coffee grounds are steeped in hot water for a certain period and then separated by pressing the plunger. This method helps retain the oils and flavor compounds of the coffee.

 

• What does Mocha taste like?

Mocha is a combination of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate. It has a sweet and chocolatey flavor and is often topped with whipped cream. Mocha is a popular choice for those who enjoy a dessert-like coffee flavor.

 

• Are decaffeinated coffees really caffeine-free?

Decaffeinated coffees are not completely caffeine-free. They contain a small amount of caffeine, but much less than regular coffee. Typically, about 97-99% of caffeine is removed during the decaffeination process.

 

• Is cold brew healthier than other types of coffee?

Cold brew has less bitterness due to the cold brewing process and usually requires less sweetener. It also retains more antioxidants due to the lack of heat. However, the healthiness of coffee depends on other factors like consumption amount and added ingredients.