Mathew Deshotel

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

If you're a lover of coffee you're likely to know that different types of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter flavor profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide accounting for 75% of the global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee" actually derives 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 realized that their goats were stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are able to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee bean company shops and roasters are focused on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted type of coffee bean around 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, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can grow in less favorable conditions. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might seem odd Robusta beans are typically combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a barista coffee beans bag it's likely there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, most do combine both varieties to lower costs and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped that makes them different from other coffee beans manchester bean types. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper, more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal to grow at home. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, however it's recommended to purchase from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a separate species but has been re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity that has made them a preferred selection in blends for house. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still have a distinctive quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most expensive coffee beans popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious flavor. These beans are commonly utilized to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm environments and at high altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

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

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types, it's now time to select your favorite brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor, choose an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of arabica beans and robusta beans.