gourmet coffee beans Bean Types: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa

You probably already know that different varieties produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta. They also are available in a variety of flavours. The flavor and aroma of coffee can be affected by the conditions in the conditions in which it grows and the methods of processing used.

The word “coffee” is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow within bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are able to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans online shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that can be used in many different brewing techniques. Blending gives you control over the flavour, aroma and body of the expensive coffee beans and is frequently preferred to create an even and consistent flavor that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most commonly used variety of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives 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 seem odd Robusta beans are typically mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it’s likely that there’s also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do mix both varieties to lower costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor, you should choose a high quality bean from a reliable source. This can be accomplished by buying your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other coffee bean suppliers near me bean types. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to add a more intense, fuller flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from many sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils, with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on large 20-30 foot coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. Their unique taste is both sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends that are house-made. They have a less pronounced aroma and caffeine levels than Arabica or Robusta however they possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they’re the fourth most sought-after type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren’t so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually considered an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they’re grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world’s coffee production. The coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are typically used to give blends more body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may be flavored with notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world’s beans. These beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

After learning about the four most commonly used types, it’s now time to choose your favorite brew. If you’re looking for a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.