7 Little Changes That'll Make A Big Difference With Your Coffee Beans Types
Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa If you're a coffee enthusiast you're probably aware that different kinds of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa. Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor. Arabica Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing techniques employed to make it. The word “coffee” actually comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world. Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of flourishing in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting kind of coffee. Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is generally used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals a wide market. Robusta Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors. The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can grow in less favorable conditions. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate. Although it might seem odd, Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there's some robusta too. The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and ensure quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, you should choose the best quality beans from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer. Liberica Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to provide a fuller, more robust flavor. Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and can withstand humid, hot climates. They also have a more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta. These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can buy the seeds from various sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall. Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. bean to cup coffee beans is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They have a lighter scent and a lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinctive depth of flavor. Excelsa Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They're often used in blends to add extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit taste. Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They grow best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit. Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste. Once you've mastered the four most commonly used types of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect cup. If you're looking for a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.