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

If you're a coffee enthusiast you're likely to know that different kinds of beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out about four of the most common varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans, which are a variety of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a fruitier, more tart flavor profile and are often utilized in blends of beans to give them added depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world with 75% of global coffee beans produced. Arabica beans are sweeter and milder in flavor than Robusta and are available with a variety of flavor profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee are influenced by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word meaning the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that sprout in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized by eating fruits. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes, and are in a position to thrive when exposed to cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the most delicious type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers and sustainable growing practices. These companies blend arabica beans to create unique signature coffees, which can be used in different brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the flavour, aroma and body as well as the acidity of the barista coffee beans and is often preferred in order to achieve a consistent and balanced taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans are the second most sought-after kind of coffee bean in the world. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids that are antioxidants found naturally. These acids can cause oxidation in the coffee brewing and produce undesirable flavors.

The plant is more durable than the arabica and is able to be grown in less favorable climates. 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 more economical crop to cultivate.

While it may sound counterintuitive, Robusta and arabica beans are often blended to make coffee beans for sale blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag, it's possible that there's also some robusta.

Most roasters employ a mixture of arabica and coffee beans to lower costs and maintain quality. To ensure the integrity of the flavor you must select the highest quality beans from a reliable source. The best method to achieve this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans are more or less football shaped which distinguishes them from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinctive scent that is fruity and floral with the smoky notes. They are often added to other types of coffee beans to give them a deeper and more robust taste.

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

These qualities make them ideal for home-growing. On the internet, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it's recommended to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The ideal conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile deep volcano soils that have a pH that is moderately acidic and adequate annual rainfall.

Excelsa is another type of coffee bean. It was originally classified as a distinct species, but has now been classified as a Liberica variant. These coffee beans are ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. They have a distinct taste that is both tart and fruity and makes them a popular selection in blends for house. They are also lighter on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as popular as Arabica and Robusta yet they're the fourth most popular. They were considered to be distinct species of coffee up until 2006, when they were classified as a synonym for Coffea Liberica var. dewevrei. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7% of the world's coffee production. These coffee beans have the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, mysterious taste. They are often blended to add extra body and a full tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are by far the most sought-after and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates as well as at higher altitudes. They have a little acidity. If brewed and roasted correctly they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most popular top 10 coffee beans in the world, and makes up around 40% of the coffee consumed in the world. These beans are smaller and rounder, but have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They also have more bitterness than the other two varieties and tend to have earthy and woody overtones.

Once you've mastered the four most common types of coffee beans and the four most popular types of coffee beans, it's time to select your ideal coffee. If you're looking to enjoy a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.