kittenknife2

Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely aware that different types of beans have different flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa. Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, more tart flavor and are often used in coffee blends for added depth. Arabica Arabica is the world's most popular coffee accounting for 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods used. The word 'coffee' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energy-rich after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world. Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee. Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in many different methods of brewing. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to achieve an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market. Robusta Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors. The plant is more robust than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to grow. While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag, it's likely that there's a bit of robusta as well. The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs while maintaining the quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a high-quality bean from a source you trust. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer. Liberica Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean varieties. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other beans to give an extra, stronger flavor. Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta. unroasted coffee beans make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can buy the seeds from many sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall. Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a separate species but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart which has made them a preferred selection in blends for house. They are also lighter in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual depth of flavor. Excelsa Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and an intriguing dark flavor. They're often used in blends to add body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste. Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are known for having a sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit. Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste. After you've learned about the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans now is the time to pick your ideal coffee. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor go for an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of arabica beans and robusta beans.