bean to cup coffee beans : Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
You probably already know that different varieties produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.
Arabica
Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the processing methods employed.
The word "coffee" actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the globe.
Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are able to thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.
Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.
Robusta
Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.
The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to grow.
While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are typically mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there's also some robusta.
The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve the quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium beans from a source you can trust. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes, and they can tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These attributes make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy the seeds from various sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart and has made them a sought-after option in blends made by home. They are also less heavy on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinctive quality of flavor.
Excelsa
Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious flavor. They're often used in blends to add body and a delicious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.
Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world and makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. These beans are rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.
After having learned about the four most common types you can now select the best brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor pick an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta beans and arabica beans.