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Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide accounting for 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta, and they come in different flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and processing techniques used to make it.
The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became stimulated after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.
Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that work well with many different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is often utilized to create an even and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.
The plant is more durable than the arabica and may grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.
Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee and you can be sure that there's some robusta too.
Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend the two varieties in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a trusted source. top rated coffee beans to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have an aroma that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.
These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.
Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends in the home. They are also lighter in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, although they're fourth 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. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruit.
Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They thrive in tropical, warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.
Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.
After you've learned about the four most commonly used types and their characteristics, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you want a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.