Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta, and they come in different flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods used.
The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are in a position to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting kind of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner and focusing on fair pay for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is often preferred in order to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more robust than the arabica and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to grow.
Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag it's likely there's a bit of robusta too.
Although some roasters only use arabica beans but the majority do a mix of the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a trusted source. The best way to achieve 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 coffee bean varieties. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. buy coffee beans near me can find the seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, however it's recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends in the home. They are also lighter on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have an unusual depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to add body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit taste.
Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.
Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect cup. If you want a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.