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

You’ve probably heard that different types produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the world’s production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in taste than Robusta, and come in a variety of flavor profiles. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and processing techniques used to make it.

The word “coffee” originates from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats became energy-rich after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee bean near me quickly was a global phenomenon.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner and focusing on fair pay for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are well-suited for various methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is frequently preferred to achieve a balanced and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants found naturally. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee’s brewing process and cause undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica, able to grow in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create bulk buy coffee beans blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it’s likely that there’s also some robusta.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use combine the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity it is recommended to select a high quality bean to cup coffee beans from a reliable source. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other varieties of coffee beans. They are characterized by a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are added to other coffee bean types to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it’s best to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils with moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was originally thought to be a separate species, but has been re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20 to 30-foot coffee beans Types plants at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity and has made them a preferred selection in blends for house. They have a milder aroma and higher caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren’t as popular as Arabica and Robusta yet they’re the fourth most popular. They were actually considered to be a different species of 500g coffee beans until 2006, when they were reclassified as 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. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop-shaped shape and possess an eerie, dark taste. They’re frequently used in blends to provide extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive best at high altitudes and have warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee around the world. It is responsible for around 40% of the speciality coffee beans consumed globally. Robusta 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 are more likely to have woody and earthy undertones.

After having a better understanding of the four most popular types of brew, it’s time to pick your favorite drink. If you’re looking for a silky and delicate taste, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.