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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are affected by the conditions in the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of thriving when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of buy coffee beans.

Many specialty coffee beans in chocolate (click to find out more) shops and roasters focus on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is often used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean cultivated worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable environments. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to grow.

Although it might sound odd it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee and you can be sure that there's some robusta too.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose an excellent bean from a reliable source. This can be done by purchasing the beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is floral, fruity and smokey. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to add the fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal to grow at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but has been re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20-30 foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity and has made them a sought-after choice in house blends. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have an unusual quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point 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 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious flavor. They are typically used to give blends additional body and a tangy taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They grow best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a bit of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed around the world. These beans are smaller and more round but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and Coffee Beans In Chocolate earthy undertones.

After having a better understanding of the four most commonly used types and their characteristics, it's time to pick your favorite drink. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor pick an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.