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 popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans comprise 75% of the world's production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta. They also come in various flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are affected by the conditions under which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" originates 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 discovered that their goats were energized after eating the fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the main reasons that Arabica is considered to be the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and coffeee Shop 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 many different brewing techniques. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of the coffee. It is frequently preferred to achieve an even and consistent taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown in the world. They have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also have higher levels of chlorogenic acids which are antioxidants that occur naturally. However, these acids can cause oxidation during the process of brewing coffee and may produce undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to grow.

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

Although some roasters only use arabica beans but the majority do blend the two varieties to reduce costs and preserve quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium beans from a source you are confident in. This can be accomplished by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are paired with other coffee bean types to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

Liberica coffee beans are found in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and can thrive at low altitudes. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can find the seeds online from many sources, however it is best to buy from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different kind of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has now been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20 to 30 feet coffee plants that are situated at medium altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity which has made them a sought-after option in blends made by home. They have a more subtle scent and a lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most coveted kind of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as easy to find as Arabica or Robusta. They were considered to be distinct species of coffee up until 2006, coffeee shop when they were reclassified to become a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Currently, they're cultivated primarily in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. The coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and carry an intriguing dark flavor. They are typically used to give blends more body and a rich, tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They grow best at high altitudes, and coffeee Shop they thrive in warm tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. If brewed correctly and roast they can be a bit sweet with hints of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee around the world. It is responsible for 40% of all coffee consumed worldwide. These beans are rounder and smaller, but contain more caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

Once you've mastered the four most commonly used types of coffee beans now is the time to pick your perfect brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor, choose an arabica bean or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.