What NOT To Do With The Coffee Beans Types Industry

Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're probably aware that different varieties of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn 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 only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are often utilized in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world with 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and processing techniques employed to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to get a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean around the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, most do mix the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality bean from a source that you trust. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to provide an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. You can find the seeds online from many sources, however it is preferred to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously thought to be a separate species, but was later re-classified to be a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They are also lighter in aroma 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 as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess an intriguing dark flavor.  coffee beans to buy  are often blended to give extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed globally. These 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 undertones.

After you've learned about the four most common types and their characteristics, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor opt for an arabica or a blend made up of robusta and arabica beans.