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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often added to blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans online beans types [clicking here] beans account for 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee can vary widely depending on the growing conditions and processing techniques employed to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that can be used in different brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to achieve a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica, able thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to cultivate.

Although it might sound odd it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a bag of coffee it's likely there's some robusta in there as well.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select a high quality bean from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing your beans direct 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 fruity and floral with smoky undertones. They are paired with other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded and more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean company bean. It was previously classified as a separate species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans price beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium roast coffee beans altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta, even though they are the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as distinct species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. The beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess an eerie, dark taste. They are typically used to give blends additional body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed properly they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee in the world and accounts for about 40% of all coffee consumed globally. These beans are smaller and more round but they have 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 having learned about the four most common types you can now select your favorite brew. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.