10 Things You've Learned About Preschool To Help You Get A Handle On Coffee Beans Types

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

If you're a fan of coffee you're probably aware that different varieties of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees, which can be used in different brewing methods. Blending gives control over the taste, aroma and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is often used to create an even and consistent taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown in the world. 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 naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a efficient crop to grow.

Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining the quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a high-quality bean from a source you can trust. This can be done by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are paired with other coffee bean types to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid climates and can grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a separate species but has been re-classified as a variation of Liberica.  highest rated coffee beans  are ovals that are cultivated on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both sweet and tart, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a lighter aroma and higher caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as an entirely different species of coffee until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are known for having a sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee around the world. It is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

Now that you've learned the four most commonly used types of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect cup. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta beans and arabica beans.