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

If you're a lover of coffee you're likely aware that different types of beans have different flavor profiles. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are often used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee bean near me in the world, making up 75% of all global premium coffee beans bean production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and they are available in a variety of flavours. The taste and aroma components of a coffee may vary significantly based on the growing conditions and methods of processing employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats became stimulated after eating these fruit, and the cultivation of coffee soon became widespread across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and thrive in cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is considered to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans coffee shops and roasters insist on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique coffees, which 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 used to create a consistent and balanced flavor that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

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

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and can grow in less favorable conditions. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sun. It produces more coffee per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a more economical crop to cultivate.

Although it might appear counterintuitive Robusta beans are typically blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

The majority of roasters make use of a mix of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and ensure the quality. To preserve the flavor integrity you should select a high quality bean from a reliable source. This can be achieved by purchasing the beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football that makes them different from other coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is floral and fruity with smoky undertones. They are often paired with other coffee bean varieties to create the fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can buy seeds from numerous sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants are fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different type of coffee bean. It was previously classified as a distinct species, but has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are oval-shaped and are grown on large coffee beans manchester plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends made at home. They have a less pronounced scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still possess a distinct depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were regarded as an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are shaped like a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They're often used in blends to provide extra body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most expensive coffee beans well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and are able to thrive in warm, tropical climates. They also have a touch of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and makes up around 40 percent of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and more round but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.

After you've learned about the four most commonly used types of coffee beans to buy beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.