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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different beans have distinct flavor profiles. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of beans to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown as well as the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee" actually is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds realized that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are able to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans uk shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique coffees that can be used in various methods of brewing. Blending gives control over the taste, aroma and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to get a consistent and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of unroasted coffee beans bean cultivated worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a more economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there is also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, most do blend the two varieties in order to cut cost and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you should select a high quality bean from a trusted source. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean types to give them a deeper and more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's best to bulk buy coffee beans the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered to be a separate species but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for house blends. They are also lighter in the coffee bean shop aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as distinct species of speciality coffee beans - related web-site - until 2006 when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the global production of coffee. The coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to give extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they can be a bit sweet with hints of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

Now that you know the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.