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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're probably aware that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee, making up 75% of all global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing used to make it.

The word 'coffee' actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energy-rich after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are able to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that are suitable for many methods of brewing. Blending can control the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is often utilized to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there's a bit of robusta too.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and ensure quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality beans from a source you are confident in. The best way to do 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 floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to provide a fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. The seeds can be found online from a number of sources, but it's recommended to purchase from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee beans types (please click the next website page) bean is Excelsa, which was once thought to be a separate species, but was re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These gourmet coffee beans beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity which makes them a popular selection in blends for house. They are also less heavy on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinct taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. They're often used in blends to add body and a rich tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If properly brewed and roasted they may have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. These beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

Now that you know the four most commonly used types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect cup. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.