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

You probably already know that different varieties produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter taste profile and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of global production. Arabica beans are milder and sweeter than Robusta, and come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and methods of processing employed to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning berry. coffee bean shop beans are actually seeds which grow within bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee spread quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons for why Arabica is considered to be the best-tasting type of coffee Beans sale.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters concentrate on ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique signature coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending allows for control over the aroma, flavor as well as body and acidity of the coffee. It 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 popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can grow in less favorable environments. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended to make 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.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans but the majority do a mix of the two varieties in order to cut costs and maintain the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select the best quality beans from a trusted source. This can be done by purchasing the beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are added to other types of wholesale coffee beans uk decaf beans coffee to give them a richer and more robust 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 can withstand hot, humid climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect to grow at home. The seeds can be found online from many sources, but it's best to purchase them locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions to grow Liberica coffee bean suppliers near me are fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are found on large coffee plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a popular choice for blends in house. They have a more subtle flavor and lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as widely used as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to be 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. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an intriguing dark flavor. They are often blended to add body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are known for having a sweeter taste. They grow best at high quality coffee beans altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They are slightly acidic. When roasted and brewed properly they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.

Once you've mastered the four most commonly used types of coffee beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you're looking for a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.