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, a type Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide and accounts for 75% of all global coffee beans unroasted bean production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually comes 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 noticed that their goats were energized by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are in a position to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans coffee shops and roasters concentrate on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is frequently preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, and can grow 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 coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the strong coffee beans bags it's likely that there is also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and ensure the quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you trust. This can be achieved by buying your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans (Recommended Web-site). They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for house blends. They have a milder aroma and higher caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the coffee bean shop fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you want a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.