Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different types of plants produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of a
gourmet coffee beans can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and
High quality Coffee beans processing techniques used to make it.
The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason 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, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that work well with many methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is often preferred to get a consistent and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second-most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of
good coffee beans and create undesirable flavors.
The plant is more robust than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.
Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the
Coffee beans types bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.
While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use combine the two varieties to reduce cost and maintain quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to buy 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. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.
Liberica
cheap coffee beans beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.
These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of sources, however it's recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.
Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a distinct species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a preferred selection in blends for house. They have a more subtle aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as a distinct coffee plant species 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. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a hint of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.
Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.
Now that you know the four most common types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect coffee. If you're looking for a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.
