Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa
If you're a wholesale coffee beans uk enthusiast, you likely already know that different kinds of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.
Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee for added depth.
Arabica
Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide with 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta. They also are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to make it.
The word 'coffee' actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.
Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.
Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that work well with a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually preferred to get an even and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.
Robusta
Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.
The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.
While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there is also some robusta.
Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure the quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's important to select a high-quality bean from a source that you are confident in. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.
Liberica
Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.
Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes and tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.
These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.
Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a distinct species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart which has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They have a more subtle scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor.
Excelsa
Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be distinct species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of Coffee beans Unroasted. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. These beans are commonly utilized to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripened fruits.
Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.
Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.
After having learned about the four most common types and their characteristics, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.