coffee beans london Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world and accounts for 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and the processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is considered to be 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 farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that work well with various methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually utilized to create a consistent and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's some robusta as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, most do combine the two varieties in order to cut costs and ensure quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it's important to choose a high-quality beans from a source you are confident in. This can be done by buying your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a deeper, more robust taste.

Liberica premium coffee beans beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes, and they can tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a much better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. You can purchase seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, but it's recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans unroasted beans are ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity and has made them a popular selection in blends for house. They have a milder scent and a lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of luxury coffee beans (click through the up coming article). The beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. They are often blended to add body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee worldwide, and is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

After learning about the four most commonly used types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.