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

If you're a lover of coffee, you likely already know that different types of beans can produce different flavors. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world with 75% of the world's coffee bean production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and they come in various flavour profiles. The taste and aroma components of a particular coffee can vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and processing techniques employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated by eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are capable of thriving when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is regarded as the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethical sourcing of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which are suitable for different brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee beans bristol. It is usually preferred to get a consistent and balanced flavor that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants found naturally. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there's a bit of robusta as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to reduce costs while maintaining quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a premium bean from a supplier you are confident in. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to guarantee quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH, and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously thought to be a separate species, but was re-classified as a variation of Liberica. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique taste is both tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also lighter in aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinctive quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta although they're fourth popular. They were actually thought to be a different coffee plant species until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of medium roast coffee beans. These coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark roast coffee beans, mysterious taste. They are often blended to add extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They grow best at high altitudes, and they thrive in warm tropical climates. They have a slight acidity. When roasted and brewed correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate 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 rounder and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody undertones.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste pick an arabica or a blend comprised of robusta and arabica beans.