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

You've probably heard that different types produce distinct flavors. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and processing methods employed to make it.

The word 'coffee' actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which can be used in various brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, taste and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is often utilized to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

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

The plant is more robust than the arabica and is able to be grown in less favorable climates. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more lavazza Coffee beans 1Kg per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to cultivate.

Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee it's likely there's some Robusta in there as well.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and jamaican coffee beans beans to lower costs and maintain the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a premium beans from a source you can trust. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are 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 are resistant to hot, humid climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH as well as adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered to be a separate species but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They are also less heavy on flavor lavazza coffee beans 1kg and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have an unusual quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered a different coffee plant species up until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a delicious tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are well-known for their the most delicious taste. They thrive best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. If properly brewed and roasted they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

After learning about the four most popular varieties, it's now time to select the best coffee beans for espresso brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.