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

If you're a fan of coffee you're probably aware that different beans produce varying flavor profiles. Find out more about four of the most well-known varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa.

Excelsa beans are a kind of Liberica that is only grown in Southeast Asia. They have a more fruity and tarter taste profile, and are often added to coffee blends to enhance the flavor.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans are responsible for 75% of the global production. Arabica beans are sweeter and less acidic than Robusta. They also come in various flavour profiles. The aroma and taste of a coffee can vary significantly based on the growing conditions and the processing methods employed to make it.

The word "coffee" is derived from the Arabic word that means the berry. Coffee beans are actually seeds that develop in bright red berries. It is believed that the ancient Ethiopian shepherds noticed that their goats were more energetic after eating the fruits, and the cultivation of coffee soon spread across the world.

Coffee beans can be grown at higher altitudes, and are capable of thriving when exposed to cool temperatures and plenty of rain. This is the reason Arabica coffee is believed to be the most delicious kind of coffee.

Many specialty 1kg Fairtrade Decaf Coffee Beans - Fresh Roasted shops and roasters are focused on 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 signature coffees that are suitable for various brewing methods. Blending can control the aroma, flavor and body as well as acidity of coffee. It is generally used to create an even and balanced taste that is appealing to a broad audience.

Robusta

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

The plant itself is more resilient than arabica and is able to thrive in less favorable climate conditions and at lower elevations. It can tolerate warmer temperatures and thrives in direct sunlight. It grows faster and produces more coffee per plant than arabica, which makes it a more cost-effective crop to cultivate.

While it may seem counterintuitive it's true that arabica and Robusta beans are often blended together to create coffee blends. If you've noticed the names of countries such as Uganda or Kenya listed on a bag of coffee and you can be sure that there's some Robusta in there as well.

Although some roasters exclusively use arabica beans but the majority do mix the two varieties to cut costs and preserve quality. In order to preserve the integrity of the flavor, it's important to select a premium bean from a source you trust. This can be done by purchasing your beans direct from farmers.

Liberica

Liberica beans have a shape like a football, which is why they are different from other types of coffee beans. They have a distinct aroma that is floral and fruity with smokey undertones. They are often blended with other coffee bean varieties to add the 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 they can tolerate humid, hot climates. They are also more resistant to diseases than Arabica or Robusta.

These characteristics make them ideal for growing at home. On the internet, you can purchase the seeds from various sources. However, it is best to buy the beans from local producers in order to ensure the highest quality. The best conditions for growing Liberica coffee plants include fertile deep volcanic soils with moderately acidic pH and Coffeee adequate annual rainfall.

Another kind of coffee bean is Excelsa, which was once considered a distinct species, but was re-classified as an alternative to Liberica. The coffee beans that are oval in shape grow on large coffee plants that range from 20 to 30 feet in height at medium altitudes. They have a distinct flavor that is both fruity and tart which has made them a sought-after choice for blends in house. They are also less heavy on scent and caffeine than Arabica and Robusta however they still possess a unique richness of flavor.

Excelsa

Although they're the fourth most sought-after kind of coffee beans, Excelsa beans aren't quite as easily accessible as Arabica or Robusta. They were actually regarded as an entirely different species of coffee up until 2006, when they were reclassified to become 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. The coffee beans are distinctive with a teardrop shape and have an eerie, dark taste. They are typically used to give blends extra body and a rich, tart taste of ripe fruits.

Arabica beans are the most sought-after, and are renowned for having a an apricot-like flavor. They thrive in tropical and warm climates and high altitudes. They have a little acidity. When properly roasted and brewed, they can have notes of nuts, chocolate, or even fruit.

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

After you've learned about the four most widely used varieties of coffee beans you can now choose the perfect cup. If you want a smooth mild flavor, go for an arabica bean or a blend of arabica and robusta beans.

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