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

If you're a fan of coffee, you likely already know that different kinds of beans have different flavor profiles. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing methods used to produce it.

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 discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee gifts is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops focus on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and coffees are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more 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 is more durable than the arabica and may grow in less favorable conditions. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee and you can be sure that there's some robusta in there too.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut 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. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans direct from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with smokey undertones. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to add a fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as 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 perfect for home-growing. You can find the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it is recommended to purchase locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart that has made them a sought-after choice for blends in house. They are also lighter on the aroma and coffeee shop near me caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and coffees Robusta, even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their an apricot-like flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round, but have twice as much 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 popular types of coffee beans, it's time to choose your ideal coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.