If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you might be searching for the ideal bean kind to sample. Coffee lovers may choose from a wide selection of coffee beans, each with a distinct flavor profile that goes well with a range of recipes for drinks, desserts, and meals. Discover the various varieties of coffee beans and how to select them to give your dishes fresh, complex flavors.
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QUALIFIED AS COFFEE BEANS?
Contrary to common assumption, coffee beans are really the seeds of a plant or fruit that resembles cherries rather than actual beans. Following the harvesting of the seeds, the pits are prepared for fermentation and roasting, which eliminate moisture and aid in the development of the distinct flavor profile associated with each kind of bean. The roasted beans can then be used in a number of other dishes. You may grind coffee beans for a classic Tiramisu recipe or for your daily cup of coffee! The possibilities are unlimited!
THE TOP 4 CATEGORIES OF COFFEE BEANS
As you experiment with coffee-required recipes, you have probably encountered some of the several varieties of coffee beans. Despite having a similar appearance, the many varieties of coffee beans have unique qualities that all play a part in aspects like flavor and texture.
Find out when to utilize the four most common varieties of coffee beans: arabica, robusta, excelsa, and liberica.
1. ARABICA
Worldwide, Arabica coffee beans are the most widely used kind. Although Arabica beans are indigenous to Ethiopia, they are farmed in many other nations with high altitudes and tropical climates. When roasted, the Arabica bean, which is silky to the touch and dark brown in color, takes on a variety of flavors, from nutty to somewhat sweet and fruity.
Arabica beans are the best kind and are available almost anywhere that sells coffee beans, including your favorite coffee shop and your neighborhood grocery. The Arabica bean is a popular and versatile option for many dishes that call for coffee beans, such as coffee cakes and freshly brewed coffee.
2. ROBUSTA
Robusta coffee beans are the second most common kind, having a noticeably bigger and more rounded form. Robusta beans are native to sub-Saharan Africa, although they are mostly farmed in Africa, Indonesia, and India today. Robusta beans offer a stronger, more bitter taste profile with hints of nutmeg and wood when compared to Arabica beans.
Robusta beans are frequently used in coffee blends as a complement to other coffee characteristics because of their harsh flavor. Apart from instant coffee or espresso beans, you are unlikely to find this type of coffee bean by itself. The strong flavors in this coffee can withstand the addition of flavorings such as cream, steaming milk, and others. Look through a specialized coffee store to locate high-quality Robusta beans for making espresso recipes or coffee mixes.
3. EXCELSA
The majority of processed Excelsa beans are now farmed nearly exclusively in Southeast Asia, while they were first found in Africa. The Excelsa bean grows well at medium elevations and has an oval form that is somewhat elongated. Excelsa coffee beans are frequently used to add depth and complexity to coffee blends because of their exceptionally nuanced taste profile. Another reason the Excelsa bean is a popular choice for stand-alone brew is its wonderful flavor.
Excelsa coffee beans, in contrast to other varieties, blend characteristics of light and dark roasting to create distinctive tastes that range from rich and strong to fruity and acidic. The bean variety Excelsa may need to be obtained from a specialized merchant due to its uncommonly deep flavor, which makes it hard to acquire outside of Southeast Asia.
4. LIBERICA
The Liberica bean, which is native to central and western Africa, grows well in Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines because of its extreme tolerance for arid environments and low elevations. The Liberica bean, an almond-shaped seed with a flowery and somewhat fruity scent, is most likely available in specialty shops or food markets in the Philippines.
The Liberica bean, which is sometimes seen as having a flavor that is disputed, really has a unique yet rich flavor profile that is woody or nutty. Although the Liberica bean may be used alone to produce brewed coffee, its distinct flavor makes it a popular alternative for blends and a creative way to give recipes a stronger flavor.