Mathew Deshotel

top 10 coffee beans Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

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

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to coffee blends 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 taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing used to produce it.

The word 'coffee' actually comes from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were invigorated by eating fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly around the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee beans bulk.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique coffees that work well with many methods of brewing. Blending can control the taste, aroma and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is typically used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee beans shop bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and could result in unpleasant flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and is able to grow in less favorable environments. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are typically combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's likely there's some Robusta in there as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use combine the two varieties to reduce costs and ensure the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select an excellent bean from a trusted source. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

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

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

These attributes make them ideal to grow at home. You can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally considered to be a separate species but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee bean suppliers near me plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart, which makes them a popular choice for blends in house. They are also lighter on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered a different coffee plant species up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. They're frequently used in blends to add extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They grow best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly they may be flavored with notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world, and is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy overtones.

Now that you know the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans delivery beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste, choose an arabica bean or a blend comprised of robusta beans and arabica beans.