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

You probably already know that different types of plants produce distinct flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity, tarter flavor profile and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of global production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta, and are available in a variety of flavours. The aroma and taste of coffee is affected by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized by eating the fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly across the globe.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and are capable of thriving in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica Cheap coffee beans [lovewiki.faith] is believed to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on sourcing their arabica beans ethically by focusing on fair compensation for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that can be used in many different methods of brewing. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is frequently preferred to create a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a larger market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second-most popular type of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to disease and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. 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 environments. It can withstand temperatures that are higher and thrives in direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a cheaper crop to grow.

While it might seem contradictory it's true that Robusta beans are often combined with arabica to create coffee blends. If you see names such as Uganda or Kenya on the bag of coffee it's likely that there is also some robusta.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and maintain the quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you should select the best quality beans from a reliable source. The best way to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is what makes them distinct from other coffee beans. They have a smell that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to create a fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These characteristics make them ideal for home-growing. You can purchase seeds on the internet from several sources, however it is best to buy from local producers to guarantee the good quality coffee beans of the beans. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have moderately acidic as well as sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a separate species but has been re-classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee plants, which can grow to 20 to 30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends in the home. They are also less heavy on the aroma and caffeine compared to Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinctive taste.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta even though they are the fourth most popular. They were actually regarded as an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's coffee production. These beans have a distinctive teardrop shape, and an eerie, dark taste. They're frequently used in blends to add body and a rich, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular, and are renowned for their a sweeter taste. They thrive at higher altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They have a little acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most adored coffee worldwide, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. Robusta beans are more round and smaller, but they have more caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody taste.

After learning about the four most popular types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you prefer an elegant and delicate taste go for an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of arabica beans and robusta beans.