Blog entry by Shasta Dane?
Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You've probably heard that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected 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 grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are capable of thriving when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee and is typically preferred to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of Coffee Beans Types bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.
The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand 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 cultivate.
Although it might sound odd the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there is also some robusta.
Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties to cut costs and preserve quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a high-good quality coffee beans bean from a source that you are confident with. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to add a more intense, fuller flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. You can find the seeds online from many sources, but it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different kind of coffee beans bulk buy bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee bean company beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They have a milder flavor and lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta however they have a unique depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were classified as 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 coffee coffeee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They're often used in blends to add extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.
Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and high altitudes. They have a slight acidity. If properly brewed and roasted, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee beans online in the world, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.
Now that you know the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.