Coffee
bean to cup Coffee Beans Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different types of plants produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, a type Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the world's most popular coffee accounting for 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a
coffee bean shop near me can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques employed to produce it.
The word "coffee" comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are capable of thriving when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops insist on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more
buy coffee beans near me per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to grow.
While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's likely there's some robusta in there as well.
Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs while maintaining the quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it's crucial to select a premium beans from a source you can trust. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. You can find the seeds online from many sources, however it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.
Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which makes them a popular choice for blends in house. They have a more subtle aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still possess a distinct depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a
dark roast coffee beans, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends additional body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruit.
Arabica beans are the most popular, and are well-known for their a sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most-loved coffee worldwide, and is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy overtones.
Now that you've learned the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular
types of coffee beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.