Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a coffee lover, you likely already know that different varieties of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, a type Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee is 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 that develop inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body, as well as the acidity of unroasted coffee beans wholesale - https://www.coffeee.uk/products/kimbo-espresso-barista-100-arabica-beans... . It is often preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that occur naturally. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more resilient than the arabica and is able to grow in less favorable environments. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to grow.
While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible that there's also some robusta.
Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by purchasing the beans directly from a farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often blended with other coffee beans to give an extra, stronger flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes and tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect to grow at home. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it's best to buy the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20-30 foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a milder flavor and lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as distinct 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% of the world's coffee production. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. They are frequently used to give blends additional body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive best types of coffee beans to buy online - https://www.coffeee.uk/categories/coffee-beans/34 at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. If properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.
Now that you know the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor opt for an arabica, or a blend consisting of arabica beans and robusta beans.