Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different types produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor, and are often added to
coffee beans manchester blends 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. They are available in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and methods of processing employed to produce it.
The word "
expensive coffee beans" actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.
Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting kind of coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that work well with various brewing methods. Blending gives control over the taste, aroma and body of the coffee. It is often utilized to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to cultivate.
While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.
The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs while maintaining the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select a high quality bean from a reliable source. This can be done by buying your beans directly from farmers.
Liberica
Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper, more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and withstand hot, humid climates. They also have a more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These attributes make them ideal for home cultivation. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.
Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered to be a separate species but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They are also less pronounced in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still possess a unique quality of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. They were considered to be to be a different species of
coffee beans shop up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to add extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They have a slight acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.
Now that you know the four most popular
types of coffee beans and the four most popular
types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.