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

If you're a fan of coffee you're likely to know that different kinds of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee accounting for 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee beans for sale (relevant resource site) are affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word "cafe coffee beans" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting type of cafe coffee beans.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee and is usually preferred to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use mix both varieties to lower costs and preserve the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select the highest rated coffee beans quality beans from a trusted source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but has been re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30 foot cafe coffee beans plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends in the home. They are also less heavy on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinctive richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of expensive coffee beans beans Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant 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. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

Once you've mastered 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 cup. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste, choose an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of arabica beans and robusta beans.