Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different varieties produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods employed.
The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are well-suited for many different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the taste, aroma, body and acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that is appealing to a broad audience.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that occur naturally. These acids can cause oxidation in the
online coffee beans brewing and produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more durable than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.
Although it may sound contradictory, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible there is also some robusta.
Although some roasters only use arabica
coffeee beans, most do combine both varieties to lower costs and ensure the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select a high quality bean from a reliable source. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a richer and more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and tolerate hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is best to
buy coffee beans near me the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but has been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a sought-after selection in blends for house. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinct flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. In fact they were regarded as a separate
Coffee Beans Types plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. These beans are commonly utilized to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If brewed correctly and roast, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. These beans are smaller and more round but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.
Now that you've learned the four most commonly used types of coffee beans, it's time to choose your perfect brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta beans and arabica beans.