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. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter flavor, and are often added to blends of coffee to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans account for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are softer and sweeter than Robusta and come in different flavors. The aroma and taste of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word 'coffee' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds found that their goats were energized after eating fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee grew rapidly all over the world.

unroasted coffee beans wholesale beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of flourishing in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is one of the reasons why Arabica is considered to be the best-tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans bulk shops and roasters are focused on the ethical source of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in many different brewing methods. Blending gives control over the taste, aroma and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is usually utilized to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which are antioxidants naturally found in. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica, and can grow in less favorable conditions. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a more cost effective crop to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive the fact is that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you find names such as Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's possible there's also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans, the majority use mix the two varieties to reduce costs and preserve the quality. To preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's crucial to select a high-quality bean from a supplier you can trust. The best method to achieve this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is what makes them distinct from other types of coffee beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smoky. They are often paired with other coffee bean to cup coffee beans varieties to provide a more intense, fuller flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot climates and are able to grow at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them perfect for home-growing. The seeds can be found online from many sources, but it is best to purchase them from local producers to guarantee the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica Coffee Beans Price include fertile deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of luxury coffee beans bean. It was originally classified as a separate species, but has since been reclassified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that are cultivated on 20-30 foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both tart and fruity that has made them a preferred option in blends made by home. They are also less heavy on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta and Robusta, yet they have an unusual taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular type of coffee beans Excelsa beans aren't quite as readily available as Arabica or Robusta. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to an alternative to Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. Nowadays, they're grown mostly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of strong coffee beans. These coffee beans are shaped as a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to provide extra body and a full, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most well-known and are known for their sweeter taste. They thrive in warm, tropical environments and at high altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. When roasted and brewed properly, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular coffee in the world, and makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta is rounder and smaller, but contain twice as much caffeine than Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and are more likely to have earthy and woody overtones.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans you can now choose your ideal coffee. If you're looking for a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.