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

You probably already know that different types produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most widely used varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, tarter flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta. They are available in a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions in the conditions it is grown and the methods of processing used.

The word "coffee" originates from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were invigorated by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can grow at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that can be used in many different methods of brewing. Blending allows for control over the flavour, aroma, body, and acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. However, these acids could cause oxidation in the coffee brewing process and may result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica, able grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and specialty coffee thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and preserve quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a top-quality bean from a supplier you can trust. This can be done by buying your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These qualities make them perfect for home cultivation. You can purchase seeds online from many sources, but it's preferred to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and Type Of Coffee adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered to be a separate species but was later re-classified to be an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee drinks plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity and has made them a sought-after choice for blends in house. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have a distinct richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. They were considered to be an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop-shaped shape and possess a dark, mysterious flavor. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a sweet tart flavor of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and Specialty Coffee at high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have woody and earthy overtones.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect cup. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.