Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a fan of coffee, you likely already know that different kinds of beans can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world with 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods employed.
The word 'coffee' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.
Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees, which can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma and body of the coffee. It is typically utilized to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.
The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.
While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there's a bit of robusta too.
Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do mix the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain the quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality bean from a source you are confident with. This can be done by purchasing the 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 scent that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to provide a more intense, fuller flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and tolerate humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, however it is recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity and makes them a popular choice in house blends. wholesale coffee beans uk are also lighter in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have an unusual quality of flavor.
Excelsa
Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee 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% the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to add body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but 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 undertones.
After having a better understanding of the four most common types and their characteristics, it's time to choose your favorite brew. If you're looking for a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.