Keira Estevez

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

If you're a coffee lover you're likely aware that different kinds of beans have different flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter taste than Robusta, and come in a variety profiles. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and the processing methods used to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually comes from the Arabic word for berry, and 500g coffee beans (https://willysforsale.com/author/flyflute28) beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee quickly began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty speciality coffee beans shops and roasters are focused on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are well-suited for many different brewing methods. Blending allows for 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 taste 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 caffeine content per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant itself is more robust 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 per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a expensive coffee beans bag it's likely there's a bit of robusta as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain quality coffee beans. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you must select the best quality beans from a trusted source. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home cultivation. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, but it's best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity which has made them a sought-after selection in blends for house. They are also less pronounced in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. In fact, they were considered distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. These beans are often utilized to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a slight acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

After having a better understanding of the four most popular types you can now select the best brew. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.