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

You've probably heard that different types produce distinct flavors. Read on to learn about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, a type Liberica is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter taste profile and are frequently used in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of a particular coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and processing techniques used to make it.

The word 'coffee' actually derives from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are fruit seeds that are cultivated inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were energized after eating these berries, and that the cultivation of coffee quickly spread across the world.

coffee bean suppliers near Me beans can grow at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and plenty of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on ethically sourced arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that work well with various methods of brewing. Blending allows control over the taste, aroma and body of the cheap coffee beans. 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 have a higher amount of caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are antioxidants that naturally occur. These acids can cause oxidation during the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

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

While it may sound counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee blends. If you see the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag and you can be sure that there's a bit of robusta as well.

Most roasters use a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to cut costs and maintain the quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it is essential to choose a high-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 are more or less football shaped that makes them different from other varieties of coffee beans. They have a distinctive aroma that is floral and fruity with subtle smoky undertones. They are often blended with other coffee beans to give a more intense, fuller flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are grown in West Africa and Malaysia (Borneo) as and in Southeast Asia. They can grow in low altitudes and tolerate humid, hot climates. They also have a better resistance to diseases than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can purchase seeds from a variety of sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee include fertile deep volcano soils, with moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was once classified as a separate species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans with an oval shape are found on large coffee plants that reach 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular choice for blends in the home. They are also lighter on aroma and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still have an unusual depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, yet they're the fourth most popular. They were considered to be a different coffee plant species up until 2006, at which point they were reclassified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. These days, they're mostly grown in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop-shaped shape and possess an eerie, dark taste. They are often blended to add extra body and a luscious, tart, ripened fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for having a more sweetness. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a bit of acidity. When properly roasted and brewed they may have notes of nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee in the world, and makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed around the world. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy, woody taste.

After having a better understanding of the four most common types you can now select the best brew. If you're looking for a smooth, delicate flavor, opt for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.