15 Up-And-Coming Trends About Coffee Beans Types

Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa If you're a coffee lover you're likely to know that different types of beans have different flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa. Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor, and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor. decaf beans coffee comprise 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing methods employed to make it. The word “coffee” actually comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly across the globe. Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best-tasting type of coffee. Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is often preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that is appealing to a broad audience. Robusta Robusta beans are the second most popular type of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors. The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to cultivate. While it may sound counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there is also some robusta. Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select a high quality bean from a reliable source. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer. Liberica Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other coffee beans to give a fuller, 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 also have a more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta. These attributes make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it's best to buy the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall. Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30 foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends made at home. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a unique depth of flavor. Excelsa Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. These beans are often used to give blends more body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits. Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They have a slight acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit. Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor. After learning about the four most commonly used types of brew, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you're looking for a silky and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.