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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta. They also come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing techniques used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. coffee beans chocolate (recommended site) beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energy-rich after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee beans gift set soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee beans for sale is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees, which are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is typically preferred to get an even and consistent taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean in 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 during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and may be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a cost effective crop to grow.

Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are frequently combined with arabica to create light roast coffee beans blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible that there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other coffee bean types. They have a distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often paired with other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. The seeds can be found online from many sources, however it is best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a separate species but has been re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are found on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They are also less heavy on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinct richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually considered distinct species of coffee beans starbucks until 2006, when they were reclassified to become 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 coffee. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their more sweetness. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or coffee beans chocolate even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up around 40% of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and rounder however they 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.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans now is the time to pick your ideal coffee. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica, or a blend consisting of arabica beans and robusta beans.