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

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

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee beans Types to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and the processing methods used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energized after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of unroasted coffee beans quickly became widespread across the globe.

organic coffee beans beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on the ethical source of their arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that can be used in many methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is typically preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

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

The plant is more robust than the arabica, and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a efficient crop to grow.

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

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's essential to choose a high-quality bean from a supplier you can trust. This can be done by purchasing your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a richer, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can thrive in low altitudes, and they can tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's best to buy from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee decaf beans coffee are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart that makes them a popular selection in blends for house. They have a less pronounced scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. They were considered to be distinct species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified to be 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 have a distinctive teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are commonly utilized to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are known for having a sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed properly, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most popular types of coffee beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta beans and arabica beans.