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

You probably already know that different varieties produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and come in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of Coffee beans Types are affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

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 noticed that their goats were invigorated by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of speciality coffee beans.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of their arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that work well with a wide range of methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally utilized to create an even and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee bean shop near me brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

While it might seem contradictory, Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's some robusta in there as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a premium bean from a supplier you are confident in. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a popular choice in house blends. They are also lighter on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of teardrops and are dark and mysterious in taste. They're typically used in blends to give extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are 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 undertones.

Now that you've learned the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you want a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.