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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor and are often utilized in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ widely depending on the growing conditions and processing methods employed to produce it.

The word "coffee beans shop" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly all over the world.

Coffee beans can thrive at high altitudes, and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and may be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it might seem odd, Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's possible there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and maintain quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's important to select a top Rated coffee beans-quality bean from a supplier you trust. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to add a fuller, more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are adaptable to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

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

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity which has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They are also less heavy on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as a distinct coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are known for having an apricot-like flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types you can now select your favorite brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor go for an arabica bean or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.