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

You probably already know that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods used.

The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly around the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are in a position to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting type 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 blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve an even and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

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

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

Although it might sound odd however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and lavazza decaf Coffee beans coffee beans to cut costs and ensure quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, you should choose the best quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to add an extra, stronger 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 withstand humid, hot climates. They also have a more resistant to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

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

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape are found on large lavazza Decaf coffee beans plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart and has made them a popular selection in blends for house. They are also lighter in flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be distinct species of coffee 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 percent of the world's production of coffee beans types. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They're typically used in blends to provide extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and at high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect coffee. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean coffee or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.