Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You probably already know that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Find out about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, a type Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of global production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing used 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 ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were invigorated by eating the fruits. the coffee bean shop cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee beans coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethically sourced arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are suitable for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and can cause undesirable flavors.
The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable conditions. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to grow.
Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee, it’s likely that there’s some robusta in there as well.
While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use a mix of the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select an excellent bean from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by purchasing the beans directly from a farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are paired with other types of coffee beans manchester beans [valetinowiki.racing] to give them a deeper, more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. 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 many sources, but it is best to buy from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.
Another kind of coffee beans near me bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are grown on large 20-30 foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They are also less pronounced in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta, but still have a distinctive richness of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren’t as well-known as Arabica and Robusta although they’re fourth popular. They were considered to be distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they’re grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world’s production of coffee. The beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. They are typically utilized to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruits.
Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If brewed and roasted correctly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world’s coffee. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.
Now that you know the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it’s time to select the perfect coffee. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta beans and arabica beans.