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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different beans can produce different flavors. Learn more about four of the most sought-after varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter taste profile, and are often used in blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee and accounts for 75% of all global 500g coffee beans beans produced. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods employed.

The word "coffee beans Types" 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 realized that their goats became more energetic after eating the berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

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

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters insist on using ethically-sourced arabica beans, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees that can be used in different brewing methods. Blending gives control over the aroma, taste and body of the coffee bean near me. It is typically preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids may cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable conditions. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

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

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use blend the two varieties in order to cut costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity, you should choose the best quality beans from a trusted source. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped, which makes them distinct from other coffee bean types. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with subtle smoky undertones. They are added to other types of coffee beans to give them a richer and more robust taste.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. You can find the seeds on the internet from several sources, but it is best to buy from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once thought to be a separate species, but was re-classified as a subspecies of Liberica. These oval-shaped coffee beans are grown on large coffee plants that can reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart and has made them a popular option in blends made by home. They have a lighter scent and a lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinct flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted type of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were reclassified to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have the shape of teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. These beans are often used to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the coffee bean shop most popular and are known for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They are slightly acidic. If properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world, and accounts for about 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. These beans are smaller and more round but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Now that you've learned the four most commonly used types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect coffee. If you're looking for a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.