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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in various flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and the processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee beans to buy" originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner by focusing on fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are suitable for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean near me bean cultivated worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee then it's likely that there's a bit of robusta as well.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and fresh coffee Beans near me beans to reduce costs and preserve quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select a high quality bean from a reliable source. This can be achieved by buying your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a richer and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, lavazza Coffee beans 1kg hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, but it's best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but is now classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee 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 fruity and tart and has made them a sought-after selection in blends for house. They are also lighter on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinctive richness of flavor.

Excelsa

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

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are well-known for their the most delicious taste. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody taste.

Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your perfect brew. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.