Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You probably already know that different varieties can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.
The word "coffee" actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became more energetic after eating the berries, and the cultivation of
coffee bean near me soon spread across the world.
coffee beans near me beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting kind of coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is generally preferred to get a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals a wide market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more 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 is more resilient than the arabica and can grow in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more
coffee bean coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.
While it may seem counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's some robusta too.
The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining the quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality bean from a source that you are confident in. This can be accomplished by buying your beans directly from a farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often added to other types of
cheap coffee beans beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.
Liberica
speciality coffee beans beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and withstand hot, humid climates. 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 seeds from numerous sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.
Excelsa is another type of
Coffee Beans Bulk bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans with an oval shape grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends in the home. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to 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 beans are distinctive with a teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruits.
Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are known for having an apricot-like flavor. They grow best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.
After you've learned about the four most common types you can now select your favorite brew. If you're looking for a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.
