coffee beans online Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

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

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor and are often used in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and the processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energy-rich after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are in a position to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on using ethically-sourced arabica beans by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are suitable for various methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do a mix of the two varieties to reduce costs and maintain the quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium bean from a source that you can trust. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped and are therefore distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, but it's best to buy from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee beans online plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct species, but was later re-classified to be a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for house blends. They are also lighter on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's Coffee bean shop production. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor. They are typically used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a little of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast, they can have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

After having learned about the four most common types and their characteristics, it's time to select the best brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica or a blend made up of arabica beans and robusta beans.