Deanna Guido

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

You've probably heard that different varieties can produce distinct flavors. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are often used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee with 75% of all global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta. They also come in different flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a cup of coffee can differ significantly based on the growing conditions and processing techniques used to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became energy-rich after eating these berries, and the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and they are capable of flourishing in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons that Arabica is considered to be the best tasting coffee beans bulk.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops concentrate on sourcing their arabica beans ethically and focusing on fair pay for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees, which are suitable for a variety of brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is often used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants naturally found in. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing process and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee bean suppliers near me per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.

most expensive coffee beans roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain quality. To maintain the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a top-quality bean from a source you can trust. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football, which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest rated coffee beans quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean suppliers near me bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape grow on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20-30 feet in height at medium roast coffee beans altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a less pronounced flavor and lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta however they have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to become 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 are shaped as a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are commonly used to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They thrive at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a little of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world, and is responsible for around 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

After learning about the four most popular varieties, it's now time to pick your favorite drink. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.