Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it's no surprise that there are so many different types of coffee beans available. From Arabica to Robusta, Excelsa to Liberica, each type of bean has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the four main types of coffee beans and what makes them so special. Arabica is the most popular type of coffee bean, accounting for about 60% of the world's coffee production.
It is grown in areas with high elevations above sea level, particularly those with abundant rainfall. Brazil, known for its lush rainforest, is the world's leading exporter of Arabica beans. The plants themselves are quite delicate and require a good amount of pruning and constant attention to environmental factors. Arabica beans are known for their sweet and delicate flavor, and coffee made from them tends to be less acidic.
Robusta coffee beans are the second most common type of bean and account for 30 to 40% of global coffee production. This type of bean is known for its strong and often harsh flavor profile, as well as its high levels of caffeine. Robusta beans are more resilient than Arabica beans due to their caffeine content, which acts as a natural insect repellent. They can be cultivated in any number of elevations and climates, making them easier to grow and harvest than Arabica beans.
Robusta is often used for discount lines such as instant coffees and is sometimes used as a filling on dark toasts. Liberica coffee beans are a rare treat. They are cultivated in very specific climates and production is too scarce for farmers to expand their operations and truly satisfy a global market. The Liberica coffee plant produces larger, irregularly shaped cherries compared to Arabica plants.
It is said to have a floral and fruity scent, but when it becomes coffee, it has a strong, woody flavor. Excelsa beans are not as common as Arabica and Robusta beans and may be more difficult to find outside of Asia. This type of bean has a unique flavor profile that is said to be sweet yet tart with hints of cherry or berry notes. No matter which type of coffee bean you choose, you can be sure that you'll get significantly better flavor and freshness when you take the extra effort to find the right one for you.
Now that you have an overview of the four main types of coffee beans, you should be able to choose the one that best suits your tastes.
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