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

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

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee bean coffee, read this blog post from troelsen-qvist.mdwrite.net, for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee accounting for 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee can be affected by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the barista coffee beans. It is usually preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

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

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag it's likely there's some Robusta in there as well.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, most do blend the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to bulk buy coffee beans your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to add a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These attributes make them ideal for home cultivation. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's recommended to purchase from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered to be a separate species but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans uk beans are oval-shaped and are found on large coffee plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They have a less pronounced scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and a dark, mysterious flavor. They are frequently used to give blends more 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 at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed in the world. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy undertones.

After you've learned about the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans now is the coffee bean shop time to pick the perfect cup. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor pick an arabica, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.