What's The Current Job Market For Coffee Beans Types Professionals Like?

Coffee Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

If you're a coffee lover you're likely aware that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often added to coffee blends to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee are affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the methods of processing 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 the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethically sourced arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean to cup coffee beans and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can grow in less favorable conditions. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee bean suppliers it's likely there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use a mix of the two varieties to cut cost and maintain the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, you should choose the best quality beans from a trusted source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other varieties of coffee beans types beans. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. Online, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans unroasted beans are ovals that are grown on large 20-30 foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends made at home. They have a more subtle aroma and higher caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. These beans are often used to give blends additional body and a rich, tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. If brewed and roasted correctly they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up about 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

After having a better understanding of the four most common types, it's now time to select the best brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.