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

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

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and more tart flavor profile and are often added to blends of coffee bean shop near me to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world and accounts for 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta. They also are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" actually is derived 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 fruits, and the cultivation of coffee quickly was a global phenomenon.

Organic Coffee Beans beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is considered to be the most delicious coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of their arabica beans and focusing on fair pay for farmers and sustainable cultivation practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees that are suitable for many different brewing techniques. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

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

The plant is more robust than the arabica and is able to be grown in less favorable climates. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cost-effective crop to cultivate.

Although it might sound odd the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you notice the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there's some Robusta in there too.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority of roasters use mix the two varieties to reduce costs and ensure quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a top-quality bean from a source that you trust. This can be done by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football-shaped and are therefore distinct from other coffee bean varieties. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are paired with other speciality coffee beans bean types to give them a more rounded, more robust taste.

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 humid, hot climates. They also have a much better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers in order to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a distinct species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on large 20-30-foot coffee plants at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive taste is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for house blends. They are also less pronounced in the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and top 10 Coffee Beans Robusta however they still have an unusual quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee beans shop until 2006, when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape, and an intriguing dark flavor. They are often blended to add body and a full, tart, ripened fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are known for having a sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They can be a bit acidic. If properly brewed and roasted they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's medium roast coffee beans. Robusta is rounder and smaller, yet contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody flavor.

After learning about the four most popular varieties and their characteristics, it's time to select your favorite brew. If you're looking for a silky, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.