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

If you're a fan of coffee you're likely to know that different varieties of beans have different flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and come in different flavors. The taste and aroma components of a coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are able to thrive when exposed to cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is typically preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most coveted kind of coffee bean around the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee's brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and is growing faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee beans uk bag, it's likely that there's a bit of robusta as well.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs while maintaining the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you must select the highest quality beans from a trusted source. This can be accomplished by buying your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are often blended with other coffee beans to give a more Napoli Italian Blend: Intense And Dark Roasted Beans, fuller flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are tolerant of hot, humid 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 growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils, with moderately acidic pH as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally thought to be a separate species, but was later re-classified to be a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both fruity and tart and makes them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a less pronounced scent and a lower caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually thought to be an entirely different species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and carry an intriguing dark flavor. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They have a slight acidity. If brewed correctly and roast, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or coffeee even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee in the world, and is responsible for 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. These beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have woody and earthy undertones.

After learning about the four most popular varieties, it's now time to choose your favorite brew. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.