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

You've probably heard that different types of plants produce different flavors. Find out about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor, and are often added to coffee blends to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee worldwide and accounts for 75% of the global coffee bean near me bean production. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing used to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were invigorated by eating these fruits. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is regarded as the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, with a focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique coffees that are suitable for many brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is usually preferred to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and can thrive in less favorable conditions. It can tolerate higher temperatures and thrives in direct sun. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a cheaper crop to grow.

Although it might appear counterintuitive it's true that Robusta beans are often blended with arabica beans to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's likely that there is also some robusta.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs while maintaining quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's essential to select a premium bean from a source you trust. This can be done by purchasing your beans direct from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape similar to a football which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often added to other bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's best to buy locally-owned producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica cheap Coffee beans plants are fertile deep volcanic soils that have moderately acidic pH and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously thought to be a separate species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These highest rated coffee beans beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants that range from 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a unique taste that is both fruity and tart and has made them a sought-after option in blends made by home. They have a milder 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 although they're fourth popular. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were reclassified as an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. They are typically used to give blends additional body and a tangy taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are known for having a sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They can be a bit acidic. When roasted and brewed correctly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee in the world and accounts for about 40% of the coffee beans delivery consumed around the world. Robusta beans are smaller and more round however, they contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

Now that you know the four most commonly used types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select the perfect cup. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste pick an arabica or a blend of robusta beans and arabica beans.