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

If you're a coffee lover you're likely to know that different kinds of beans can produce different flavors. Find out more about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is cultivated exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor and are often used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most sought-after coffee in the world, making up 75% of global coffee bean production. Arabica beans have a sweeter and less sour flavor than Robusta and come in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee may vary greatly based on the climatic conditions and methods of processing employed to produce it.

The word "coffee" actually originates 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 noticed that their goats were stimulated by eating these berries. The cultivation of coffee quickly spread around the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes and flourish in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee beans types (via heavenarticle.com) shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of arabica beans. They focus on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies typically blend arabica beans to make unique coffees that can be used in various methods of brewing. Blending gives you control over the aroma, flavor and body of the coffee. It is usually preferred to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after type of coffee bean in the world. They contain more caffeine per bean than Arabica, and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. However, these acids can cause oxidation in the process of brewing coffee and can cause undesirable flavors.

The plant is more resilient than the arabica and may thrive in less favorable conditions. It can withstand higher temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant, and it grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economical crop to cultivate.

While it might seem contradictory Robusta beans are frequently mixed with arabica to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee it's likely there's some Robusta in there as well.

While some roasters use exclusively arabica beans, the majority of roasters use mix the two varieties to reduce costs and maintain quality. To preserve the flavor integrity, you should choose the highest quality beans from a reliable source. This can be done by buying your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is floral, fruity and smoky. They are paired with other coffee bean types to provide them with a more rich and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. You can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it's best to purchase the beans from local producers to guarantee quality. The best growing conditions for Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is a different variety of gourmet coffee beans bean. It was initially classified as a distinct species, but has since been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans with an oval shape are grown on large coffee beans price plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. Their unique flavor is tart and sour, making them a popular choice for house blends. They are also less pronounced in scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still have a distinctive richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually considered to be a different species of coffee until 2006 when they were reclassified to be a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. They are produced in Southeast Asia today and account for 7% of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped like teardrops and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are frequently utilized to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruit.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They also have a little of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is a close second only to Arabica and makes up about 40 percent of the world's coffee. These beans are smaller and rounder however they have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to choose your perfect brew. If you prefer a delicate and smooth flavor opt for an arabica or a blend made up of robusta and arabica beans.