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

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you likely already know that different kinds of beans can produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta, and are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly across the globe.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered 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 typically blend arabica beans to make unique specialty coffees that are suitable for various methods of brewing. Blending allows for control over the flavour, aroma and body of the coffee and is frequently preferred to create a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acid, 1Kg Coffee Beans 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, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use mix both varieties to lower cost and maintain the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select the best coffee beans in the world quality beans from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by purchasing the beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other coffee bean coffee types. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, but it is 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, with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They are also less heavy on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinctive 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 distinct 1Kg Coffee Beans plant species until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends more body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are well-known for their an apricot-like flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They have a little acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee worldwide, and is responsible for around 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. These beans are smaller and more round but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.

After having learned about the four most popular varieties you can now choose your favorite brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor go for 1kg coffee Beans an arabica bean or a blend of arabica beans and robusta beans.