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

If you're a lover of coffee, you likely already know that different types of beans have different flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans price beans are responsible for 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta and come in various flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and the processing methods used to produce it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became more energetic after eating the berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cold 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 ethically sourced arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in various methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee. It is typically preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's likely that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use mix both varieties to lower costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality beans from a source you are confident with. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect to grow at home. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, however it is best to buy from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at medium roast coffee beans altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends in the home. They are also less heavy on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have a distinctive quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee bean shop near me beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be to be a different species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. These beans are often used to give blends more body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a the most delicious taste. They grow best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. If brewed correctly and roast, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and is responsible for about 40% of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

Now that you've learned the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you're looking for a silky mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.