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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee bean suppliers to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of all global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour taste than Robusta, and come with a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods employed.

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 found that their goats were energized by eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee beans manchester is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique specialty coffees, which can be used in various brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee beans types (use this link). It is generally preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste 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 amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants found naturally. However, these acids may cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, and can grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee it's likely there's some robusta too.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, most do a mix of the two varieties in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you are confident in. The best method to achieve this is to bulk buy coffee beans your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to add the fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30-foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart which makes them a popular choice in house blends. They have a milder aroma and caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans are shaped like teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are often blended to add body and a full, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They have a slight acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.

After you've learned about the four most popular types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you prefer smooth and delicate flavors pick an arabica or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.