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

You've probably heard that different varieties can produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing used to produce it.

The word "coffee" derives from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were invigorated by eating these fruits. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that are well-suited for many methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is frequently 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 cultivated worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean to cup coffee beans than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might seem odd, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's important to select a high-quality bean from a supplier you are confident in. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to provide an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and tolerate hot, humid climates. 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 a variety of 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 are fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee beans uk bean is Excelsa that was once considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are found on large coffee beans manchester plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for house blends. They are also less pronounced in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinct taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species up until 2006, when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. They're typically used in blends to provide extra body and a rich tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are well-known for their an apricot-like flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed correctly and medium roast coffee beans (read this post from Marvelvsdc) they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet 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 overtones.

Now that you've learned the four most popular types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect cup. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.