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

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

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica which is grown exclusively in Southeast Asia. They have a tangier, tarter flavor profile and are frequently used in coffee blends for added depth.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans make up 75% of global production. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter taste than Robusta, and come in a variety profiles. The aroma and taste of coffee are affected by the conditions in which it is grown and the processing methods used.

The word 'strong coffee beans' actually originates from the Arabic word for berry and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow inside bright red berries. It is believed that ancient Ethiopian shepherds discovered that their goats were stimulated after eating these fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon was a global phenomenon.

Coffee beans can be grown at high altitudes and flourish with cool temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the best tasting type of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters are focused on the ethical sourcing of arabica beans, and focusing on fair wages for farmers and sustainable farming practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to make unique coffees that are well-suited for many methods of brewing. Blending is a way to control the taste, aroma, body and acidity of coffee. It is generally utilized to create an even and balanced taste that appeals a wide market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most common type of coffee bean grown across the globe. They have more caffeine per bean and are more protected against diseases and pests. 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 is able to grow in less favorable environments. It is tolerant of warmer temperatures and thrives Indulge in Rich and Decadent Dark Chocolate Coffee direct sunlight. It is faster growing and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, making it a more cost-effective plant to cultivate.

Although it may sound contradictory it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended to create coffee blends. If you find names such as 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 ensure the quality. To ensure the quality of the flavor, it's essential to select a top-quality bean from a source you are confident with. This can be done by buying your beans directly from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape that is like a football, which is why they are different from other coffee beans. They have a unique aroma that is floral and fruity with the smoky notes. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to create an extra, stronger flavor.

Liberica coffee beans are available in West Africa, Malaysia (Borneo), and Southeast Asia. They are resistant to hot, humid conditions and can be grown at low altitudes. They also have a much better resistance to disease than Arabica and Robusta.

These qualities make them ideal for home cultivation. Online, you can purchase seeds from numerous sources. However, it is ideal to purchase the beans from local producers to ensure the highest quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica Coffee Beans Types plants are fertile, deep volcanic soils with a moderately acidic pH and adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa which was previously considered a distinct species, but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. These coffee beans are ovals that are grown on large 20-30-foot coffee plants that are located at medium altitudes. Their distinctive taste is sweet and tart, making them a popular choice for blends made at home. They are also lighter on flavor and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta yet still possess a unique taste.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most popular kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite so easy to locate as Arabica or Robusta. 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. Today, they're grown mainly in Southeast Asia and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans are shaped in the shape of a teardrop and possess a dark, eerie taste. They are often blended to give extra body and a luscious tart, ripe fruit flavor.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for their an apricot-like flavor. They thrive at high altitudes and enjoy warm, tropical climates. They also have a hint of acidity. If they are brewed correctly and roast properly they may impart notes like chocolate, nuts or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most sought-after coffee around the world. It makes up around 40% of all coffee consumed globally. These beans are smaller and rounder but they have twice as much caffeine as Arabica. They are also more bitter than the other two varieties and have an earthy, woody flavor.

Once you've mastered the four most popular types of coffee beans now is the time to pick the perfect cup. If you want a smooth soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.