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

If you're a coffee lover you're probably aware that different varieties of beans can produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "lavazza decaf Coffee Beans" originates from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became more energetic after eating the berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are well-suited for various methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is often preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of allpress coffee beans bean grown in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that occur naturally. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and lavazza decaf Coffee beans can grow in less favorable conditions. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.

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

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, most do a mix of the two varieties to reduce cost and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a reliable source. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as well as in Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and tolerate hot, humid climates. They also have a much more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal to grow at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, however it's best to buy locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH, and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a separate species but was later re-classified to be a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30 foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique taste.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. In fact they were regarded as a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. The beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and an intriguing dark flavor. They're frequently used in blends to add body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are known for having more sweetness. They grow best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

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

After having learned about the four most popular types of brew, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.