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

If you're a coffee lover, you likely already know that different varieties of beans have different flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of roasted coffee beans for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after freshly roasted coffee beans worldwide and accounts for Types of Coffee Beans 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of kimbo coffee beans are affected by the conditions in the conditions in which it grows and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were stimulated by eating these fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and they are able to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that work well with many different brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee. It is typically preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids could cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and may thrive in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and ensure the quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium bean from a source you are confident in. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a separate species but was re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These fresh coffee beans near me beans with an oval shape are found on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and are dark and mysterious in taste. These beans are commonly used to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

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

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

After having a better understanding of the four most commonly used types of brew, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.