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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different varieties of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in taste than Robusta, and come in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing techniques employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were invigorated by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner and focusing on fair pay 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 and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is typically preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica, and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create fresh roasted coffee beans (visit this site) blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag then it's likely that there's a bit of robusta as well.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you must select an excellent whole bean coffee from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans direct from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are added to other coffee bean types to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can find the seeds online from a number of sources, however it is best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a separate species but is now classified as a variation of Liberica. These jamaica blue coffee beans beans are ovals that are grown on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also lighter in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. They were actually regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of raw coffee beans. These beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess an intriguing dark flavor. They're often used in blends to add extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They are slightly acidic. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may have notes like chocolate, fresh roasted coffee beans nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world and is responsible for around 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most common types of brew, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor pick an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.