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Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a fan of coffee you're probably aware that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the methods of processing used.
The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.
Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious kind of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in many brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is typically preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more durable than the arabica and may grow in less favorable environments. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well 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 might appear counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee, it's possible that there's also some robusta.
While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, most do blend the two varieties to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you should select a high quality bean from a reliable source. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.
These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy seeds from numerous sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.
Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a separate species but was re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity and makes them a popular selection in blends for house. They are also lighter in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to be 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 in the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. coffee bean suppliers near me are often blended to add body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical, warm environments and at high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.
After having a better understanding of the four most popular types, it's now time to choose your favorite brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste, choose an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.