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

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

Excelsa beans are a type 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 beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide with 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop within bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats were stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of buy fresh coffee beans soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are able to thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees, which can be used in a variety of brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the taste, aroma, body and acidity of coffee. It is typically utilized to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a efficient crop to grow.

Although it might seem odd it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select the best quality beans from a trusted source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.

Liberica

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

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. The seeds can be found on the internet from several sources, but it's best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but has been classified as a Liberica variant. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for house blends. They have a more subtle aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans, coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as distinct species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry a dark, mysterious taste. They are typically used to give blends additional body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are renowned for having a the most delicious taste. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. These beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy and woody taste.

Now that you know the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you're looking for a silky soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and coffee beans robusta beans.