Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the methods of processing used.
The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly around the world.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are capable of flourishing in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of Coffee beans types - https://www.coffeee.uk/ .
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically Discover Our Limited Edition Explorer Blend Coffee - https://www.coffeee.uk/products/seasonal-roast-explorer-blend-coffee-beans arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that can be used in various brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee and is typically preferred to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.
The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.
Although it may sound contradictory it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there is also some robusta.
While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, most do blend the two varieties to cut costs and preserve the quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a premium bean from a source 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 which distinguishes them from other coffee bean varieties. They are characterized by a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often added to other beans to give an extra, stronger flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.
Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered to be a separate species but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart which has made them a sought-after option in blends made by home. They have a less pronounced flavor and lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a unique depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently used to give blends additional body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are the most popular and are known for having more sweetness. They grow best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most adored coffee in the world, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.
After learning about the four most common types of brew, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste, choose an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.