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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different kinds of beans can produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of strong coffee beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word for berry and barista coffee beans beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energized after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee beans for sale. It is usually preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and may 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 cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee and you can be sure that there's some robusta as well.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use blend the two varieties in order to cut cost and maintain the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, you should choose the highest rated coffee Beans quality beans from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are often added to other bean to cup coffee beans varieties to add a fuller, 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 growing at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, however it is best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are found on large coffee plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart that makes them a popular choice for blends in house. They have a lighter aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta, even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are often utilized to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are well-known for their more sweetness. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an extremely close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. These beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy undertones.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans now is the time to pick your ideal coffee. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.