Mathew Deshotel

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

If you're a fan of coffee you're probably aware that different types of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta. They also are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee are affected by the conditions in the conditions in which it grows and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energized after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee beans unroasted soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on the ethical source of their arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for many different methods of brewing. Blending can control the aroma, taste, body and acidity of coffee. It is often utilized to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the Coffee beans Types bags it's possible that there is also some robusta.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and ensure the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor 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 are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a richer and more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase seeds on the internet from a variety of sources, but it is best to purchase them from local producers to ensure the good quality coffee beans of the beans. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and grow on large coffee beans price plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, making them a popular option for blends made at home. They have a less pronounced aroma and higher caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, although they're fourth popular. They were considered to be an entirely different species of coffee until 2006, when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee around the world. It makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody taste.

Now that you've learned the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect cup. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.