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

You've probably heard that different varieties produce distinct flavors. Learn about four of the most popular varieties: Arabica. Robusta. Liberica. and Excelsa.

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

Arabica

Arabica is the most well-known coffee in the world, making up 75% of the world's coffee beans produced. Arabica beans have a milder and sweeter flavor than Robusta and are available in a variety of flavour profiles. The flavor and aroma of coffee is affected by the conditions under the conditions in which it grows and the processing methods employed.

The word 'coffee' actually derives from the Arabic word for berry, and coffee beans are actually fruit seeds that grow in bright red berries. It is believed ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were energized by eating the berries. The cultivation of coffee grew quickly all over the world.

Coffee beans can flourish at high altitudes, and thrive in cold temperatures and lots of rain. This is why Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty coffee shops and roasters focus on sourcing their arabica beans ethically, by emphasizing fair wages for farmers as well as sustainable growing practices. These companies often blend arabica beans to create distinctive coffees that are well-suited for many different brewing methods. Blending is a way to control the aroma, taste and body of the coffee. It is often utilized to create an even and consistent taste that appeals to a wider market.

Robusta

Robusta beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular type of coffee bean that is grown worldwide. They have more caffeine per bean and are more resistant against diseases and pests. They also contain higher levels of chlorogenic acids, which are naturally-occurring antioxidants. These acids can cause oxidation in the brewing process of coffee and create undesirable flavors.

The plant itself is more durable than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. 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 cost-effective crop to grow.

While it may seem counterintuitive Robusta beans are frequently blended with arabica to make coffee blends. If you notice names like Uganda or Kenya on the coffee bags it's likely that there's also some robusta.

While some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do blend the two varieties in order to cut cost and maintain quality. To preserve the integrity of flavor you must select a high quality bean from a trusted source. The best way to do this is to buy your beans directly from the farmer.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, that makes them different from other Barista Coffee Beans beans. They have a scent that is fruity, floral and smokey. They are often added to other coffee bean varieties to add a fuller, more robust flavor.

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

These qualities make them ideal for growing at home. Online, you can buy the seeds from many sources. However, it's ideal to purchase the beans from local producers in order to ensure quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee are fertile, deep volcano soils with a pH that is moderately acidic and sufficient annual rainfall.

Another type of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but is now classified as a variant of Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape are found on large coffee plants that reach 20-30 feet in height at moderate altitudes. They have a distinctive taste that is both tart and fruity and has made them a sought-after choice for blends in house. They have a milder scent and a lower caffeine content than Arabica or Robusta but they still have a distinctive depth of flavor.

Excelsa

Excelsa coffee beans aren't as well-known as Arabica and Robusta despite being the fourth most popular. In fact they were considered to be an individual species of coffee plant until 2006 when they were changed to a synonym for Coffea liberica var. dewevrei. They are grown in Southeast Asia today and account for 7 percent of the world's production of coffee. These coffee beans have a distinctive teardrop shape and have a dark, mysterious flavor. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a tangy taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are by far the most popular and are renowned for their sweeter taste. They thrive in tropical, warm climates and high altitudes. They also have a touch of acidity. If properly brewed and roasted they can be flavored like nuts, chocolate or even fruit.

Robusta is the second most-loved coffee worldwide, and is responsible for around 40% of the coffee consumed worldwide. Robusta beans are rounder and smaller, yet they contain more caffeine than Arabica. They also taste bitterer than the other two varieties and have an earthy, Bulk buy coffee beans woody flavor.

After having learned about the four most popular types you can now choose your favorite brew. If you're looking for a silky soft, delicate flavor, go for an arabica or a blend of robusta and arabica beans.

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