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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee beans Types in the world accounting for 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of coffee can be affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" actually originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans shop roasters and shops focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that work well with many different methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually utilized to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.

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

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use mix the two varieties to cut costs and ensure quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-good quality coffee beans bean from a supplier you are confident with. The best way to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to provide an extra, stronger 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 can thrive at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. The seeds can be found online from many sources, but it is best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee beans delivery plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity, which makes them a popular selection in blends for house. They have a more subtle aroma and caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the coffee bean shop fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be to be a different species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. The beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious flavor. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's coffee. These beans are rounder and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

After having a better understanding of the four most popular types and their characteristics, it's time to choose your favorite brew. If you're looking for a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.