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

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

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

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

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical sourcing 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 different brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sun. It produces more good coffee beans per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's likely that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and bulk buy coffee beans beans types - Dokuwiki.stream, beans to lower costs while maintaining quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you are confident in. This can be done by buying your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

Liberica cheap coffee beans beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. Online, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They have a milder aroma and higher caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're frequently used in blends to provide extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet 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.

Once you've mastered the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans, it's time to choose your perfect brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor opt for an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta beans and arabica beans.