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

If you're a coffee lover you're likely to know that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide with 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became stimulated after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and flourish in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in many methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is usually preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

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

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, and can thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee beans bulk buy per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to grow.

While it might seem contradictory, Robusta beans are often blended with arabica to make coffee beans delivery blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bean suppliers near me bag then it's likely that there's a bit of robusta as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend the two varieties to cut cost and maintain quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you must select an excellent bean from a reliable source. The best way to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and can withstand humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They are also lighter on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were considered to be distinct species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. They're typically used in blends to add extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are known for having more sweetness. They thrive at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most expensive coffee beans-loved coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have a woody, earthy taste.

After learning about the four most popular varieties you can now select your favorite brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.