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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce different flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and coffeebeans tarter flavor profile, and are often added to blends of beans to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavors. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word 'coffee' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are in a position to thrive in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is regarded as the best tasting coffee.

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops insist on sourcing their arabica beans ethically, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make distinctive coffees that can be used in many methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma as well as body and acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean in the world. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more robust than arabica and is able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a gourmet coffee beans bag it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs and preserve quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's crucial to select a premium coffee beans bean from a source that you are confident in. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which makes them different from other coffee coffeee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often added to other bean varieties to provide a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. The seeds can be found online from many sources, but it's best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a separate species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also less pronounced in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth-most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as distinct species of coffee until 2006 when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and are dark and mysterious in taste. They are frequently used to give blends extra body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.

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

Robusta is the second most sought-after premium coffee beans in the world and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed globally. Robusta 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 varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types of coffee bean near me beans now is the time to pick the perfect cup. If you're looking for a silky, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.