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

You probably already know that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Learn more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a type of Liberica that is grown only in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, more tart flavor profile and are frequently used in blends of coffee to add depth.

Arabica

Arabica is the world's most popular coffee with 75% of the global coffee bean production. Arabica beans are more mild and sweeter than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavours. The taste and aroma components of a cup of coffee can differ in a wide range depending on the cultivation conditions and methods of processing used 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 the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized after eating these fruit berries. The cultivation of coffee beans bristol grew rapidly across the globe.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes, and thrive with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is thought to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee bean company shops and roasters focus on the ethical source of their arabica beans by focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create unique specialty coffees that are well-suited for a wide range of brewing methods. Blending can be used to control the aroma, flavor and body as well as the acidity of the coffee and is often preferred in order to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most widely used type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have a higher caffeine content per bean than Arabica and are more resistant to pests and disease. They also contain more chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation during the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant is more robust than the arabica and can be grown in less favorable climates. It is able to withstand higher temperatures and does well in direct sunlight. It produces more coffee per plant and grows faster than arabica. This makes it a economically viable crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive however, arabica and robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you've seen the names of countries like Uganda or Kenya on a coffee bag it's likely there's some robusta in there too.

The majority of roasters utilize a mix of arabica and coffee beans in order to cut costs and preserve quality. To preserve the quality of the flavor, it is essential to select a premium bean from a source you can trust. The best method to do this is to purchase your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is similar to a football, that makes them different from other types of coffee beans. They have an aroma that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are added to other types of coffee beans to provide them with a more rich and more robust flavor.

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

These attributes make them ideal for home cultivation. It is possible to purchase the seeds on the internet from several sources, however it's preferred to purchase them from local producers to ensure the quality of the beans. The ideal conditions for the cultivation of Liberica coffee bean coffee include fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic, and enough annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa that was once considered a distinct species, but is now classified as an alternative to Liberica. These coffee beans are elongated ovals that grow on 20-30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their distinctive flavor is tart and sour, which makes them a popular option for blends that are house-made. They are also less heavy on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta, but still possess a unique quality of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as common as Arabica and Robusta, despite being the fourth most popular. They were actually thought to be distinct 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 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. They're frequently used in blends to give extra body and a rich tart, ripe fruit taste.

Arabica beans are the most popular and are renowned for their the most delicious taste. They grow best at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They have a slight acidity. If they are brewed correctly and light roast coffee beans, Championsleage wrote, properly they may impart notes like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is an almost identical choice to Arabica and accounts for around 40% of the world's coffee. Robusta beans are smaller and rounder however, they contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica. They are also bitterer than the other two types and have an earthy and woody taste.

After you've learned about the four most common types of coffee beans, it's time to choose the perfect coffee. If you prefer a smooth and delicate flavor, choose an arabica bean, or a blend consisting of robusta and arabica beans.