Mathew Deshotel

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

You probably already know that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are able to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that work well with a wide range of brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is frequently preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular 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 have higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, and can thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee bean shop near me per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

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

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs while maintaining the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are paired with other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich, more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can be grown at low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They also have a better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. You can purchase seeds online from a number of sources, but it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape grow on large coffee plants that can reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They have a less pronounced flavor and lower caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta however they possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They are typically used to give blends additional body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known, and are renowned for having a an apricot-like flavor. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's beans. These beans are smaller and more round however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

After you've learned about the four most widely used varieties of coffee bean shop near me beans and the four most popular types of coffee coffeee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you're looking for a silky and delicate taste, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.