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

If you’re a coffee enthusiast you’re likely aware that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier and more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee beans london in the world with 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are milder and have a sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions under which it is grown as well as the processing methods used.

The word “coffee” comes from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were stimulated after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee soon began to spread throughout the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes and are capable of flourishing when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on ethically sourced 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 work well with many brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee and is usually preferred to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that naturally occur. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can grow in less favorable environments. It can tolerate higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive it’s true that Robusta beans are often mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on a light roast coffee beans bag it’s possible there’s also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do combine both varieties to lower costs and maintain quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it’s essential to select a top-quality beans from a source you can trust. The best way to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean to cup coffee Beans types. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other 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 grown at low altitudes and tolerate humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. The seeds can be found on the internet from a variety of 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 sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once thought to be a separate species, but has been re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee bean suppliers plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both fruity and tart, which has made them a sought-after choice for blends in house. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren’t as common as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be 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% of the world’s coffee production. The coffee coffeee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and have a dark, mysterious taste. They’re typically used in blends to add body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a hint of acidity. If properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of chocolate, nuts, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee around the world. It accounts for about 40% of all coffee beans price consumed around the world. These beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties, and tend to have woody and earthy overtones.

After you’ve learned about the four most commonly used types of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect cup. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor, choose an arabica bean or a blend made up of robusta beans and arabica beans.