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

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

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

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee accounting for 75% of the world's 1kg coffee beans bean production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are affected by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the methods of processing used.

The word 'coffee' actually comes 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 noticed that their goats were energized after eating berries. The cultivation of cheap coffee beans grew rapidly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethically sourced arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that can be used in many methods of brewing. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee beans 1kg and is typically preferred to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and maintain quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are often paired with other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home cultivation. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee whole bean coffee. It was once classified as a separate species, but it has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart, which makes them a popular selection in blends for house. They are also lighter on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have a distinct quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified to be 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 beans wholesale suppliers. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry an intriguing dark flavor. They're frequently used in blends to add body and a full tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are renowned for their the most delicious taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a hint of acidity. If properly brewed and local roasted they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody undertones.

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