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

You probably already know that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide, making up 75% of the world's coffee beans price beans produced. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "online coffee beans" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are well-suited for many different brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is typically 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 and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create cafe coffee beans blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and maintain the good quality coffee beans - Werite post to a company blog,. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a high-quality bean from a source that you trust. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and withstand humid, hot climates. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These attributes make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans unroasted beans are elongated ovals that are grown on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart, which makes them a popular choice in house blends. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique taste.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. In fact, they were considered a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were classified as 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 coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and have a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are often used to give blends more body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly, they can have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved light roast coffee beans in the world, and is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

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