Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a lover of coffee you're likely to know that different types of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor and are often utilized in blends of coffee to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of a cup of
good coffee beans can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to produce it.
The word 'coffee' actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were invigorated by eating these fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly around the world.
Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting type of
coffee Beans types.
Many
specialty coffee beans coffee beans wholesale suppliers shops and roasters insist on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are well-suited for various methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is usually utilized to create an even and consistent taste that is appealing to a broad audience.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more robust than arabica and is able to thrive 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, making it a more cost-effective plant to grow.
Although it might sound odd, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's likely that there is also some robusta.
The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and ensure quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to choose a high-quality bean from a source that you are confident with. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a richer and more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. The seeds can be found online from many sources, however it is best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions to grow 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 that was once thought to be a separate species, but was later re-classified to be a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a popular choice in house blends. They have a more subtle aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a unique depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as to be a different species of
coffee beans delivery up until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're frequently used in blends to give extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.
Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.
Once you've mastered the four most common types of
organic coffee beans beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.
