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 are a kind of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world accounting for 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were more energetic after eating the fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is generally utilized to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and is able to grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

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

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a premium bean from a source you are confident with. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other coffee beans to give an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. It is possible to purchase the seeds online from a number of sources, however it is preferred to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are found on large coffee plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular option for house blends. They are also lighter in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinct richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee bean shop near me beans Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be to be a different species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped like teardrops and are dark and mysterious in taste. They're typically used in blends to add extra body and a rich tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved top 10 coffee beans in the world, and makes up around 40% of all expensive coffee beans consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

Now that you know the four most widely used varieties of cheap coffee beans decaf beans coffee, it's time to choose the perfect cup. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.