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

If you're a lover of coffee you're probably aware that different types of beans have distinct flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after Coffee Beans types worldwide and accounts for 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing techniques employed to make it.

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

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are able to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting type of amazon coffee beans.

Many specialty coffee beans in bulk shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to 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 is more resilient than the arabica and may thrive in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority use a mix of the two varieties to reduce costs and ensure the quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a high-quality beans from a source you are confident with. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to give them a richer, more robust taste.

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

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. You can find the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it is best to buy from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a sought-after selection in blends for house. They have a milder scent and a lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans bulk buy beans, Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as a different coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and are dark and mysterious in taste. They're often used in blends to provide extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a little of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.

After having a better understanding of the four most popular types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.