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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Find out more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are one of the varieties of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of all global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the methods of processing used.

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

Coffee beans can be grown at high quality coffee beans altitudes and are capable of flourishing in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that can be used in many different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body, as well as the acidity of coffee. It is generally used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and may grow in less favorable environments. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to grow.

Although it may sound contradictory however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's possible there is also some robusta.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use a mix of the two varieties to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to choose a high-quality bean from a source you trust. This can be accomplished by buying your beans directly from a farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans can be found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They can be found at low altitudes and can withstand hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. Online, you can buy seeds from numerous sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans uk beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart which has made them a sought-after choice in house blends. They have a milder aroma and caffeine content that is lower than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. In fact they were regarded as a separate coffee plant species until 2006 when they were reclassified to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee beans delivery. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're often used in blends to add body and a full, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for their an apricot-like flavor. They thrive best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly, they can have notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's beans. These 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 a woody, earthy taste.

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