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

You've probably heard that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Find out about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile, and Brewing Knowledge: Articles for Coffee Aficionados are often added to coffee blends to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world accounting for 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come with a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.

The word "Organic Fairtrade Coffee from Machu Picchu - 6 Pack" 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 ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops insist on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that are suitable for various Brewing Knowledge: Articles for Coffee Aficionados methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create an even and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are frequently combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee, it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use mix the two varieties to reduce costs and ensure quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a high-quality beans from a source you trust. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often added to other bean varieties to provide a more intense, fuller flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for home cultivation. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, however it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils that have a moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a preferred selection in blends for house. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have an unusual richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact, they were considered a separate coffee plant species 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 world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess an eerie, dark taste. They're often used in blends to give extra body and Brewing Knowledge: Articles For Coffee Aficionados a full tart, ripe fruit flavor.

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

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

Once you've mastered the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.