What NOT To Do When It Comes To The Coffee Beans Types Industry

Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

You've probably heard that different varieties produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to produce it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually 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 quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can grow 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 type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethically sourced arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee. It is typically preferred to achieve a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. unroasted coffee beans makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's a bit of robusta as well.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select an excellent bean from a trusted source. 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 makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to provide a fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has now been classified 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 medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity and has made them a sought-after option in blends made by home. They have a lighter flavor and lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, despite being 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. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently used 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 best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are smaller and more round, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect coffee. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste pick an arabica or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.