Coffee Beans Types: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier

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

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

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of all 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 a coffee gift may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became more energetic after eating the berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are able to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that can be used in a wide range of brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and may be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant, and local it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining the quality. In order to preserve the quality of the flavor, it's crucial to choose a high-quality bean from a source you are confident with. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect to grow at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of sources, however it's best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart that has made them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as a different coffee plant species up until 2006, local at which point they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder, but 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.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta beans and arabica beans.