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

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

Excelsa beans, a variety of Liberica, are grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a sweeter and tarter flavor profile, and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

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

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds which grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energy-rich after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee beans in bulk soon spread across the world.

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

Many specialty coffee roasters and shops are focused on finding their arabica beans in a sustainable manner and focusing on fair pay for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans in order to create unique signature coffees, which are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending allows control over the aroma, flavor, body and acidity of coffee. It is usually used to create an even and balanced taste that appeals to a broad market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most popular kind of coffee bean around the world. They contain more caffeine per bean and are more protected against pests and diseases. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants found naturally. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process, and can result in undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more Coffee Beans London per plant and grows more quickly than arabica. This makes it a efficient crop to grow.

While it may sound counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee beans bulk bag, it's likely that there's some Robusta in there as well.

Although some roasters only use arabica beans, the majority use combine the two varieties to cut costs and maintain quality. To maintain the integrity of the flavor, it is essential to select a top-quality bean from a source you are confident in. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are often added to other coffee bean types to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo) and Southeast Asia. They are well-adapted to humid, hot conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They are also more resistant to disease than Arabica or Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure high-quality. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a separate species but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are cultivated on 20 to 30-foot coffee bean coffee plants at moderate altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity, which has made them a popular choice for blends in house. They have a lighter flavor and lower caffeine content that is less than Arabica or Robusta but they do have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's speciality coffee beans production. These coffee beans are shaped as teardrops and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are frequently used to give blends more body and a rich tart taste of ripened fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are known for their sweeter flavor. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may have notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second to Arabica and is responsible for about 40 percent of the world's beans. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two types and have a woody, earthy taste.

Once you've mastered the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans you can now choose your perfect brew. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor opt for an arabica or a blend comprised of arabica beans and robusta beans.